Before the programme starts
Everyone who joins The Bridge is invited to a short introductory session first. You will meet the facilitators, see how the modules are set up, and have a chance to ask questions before the programme begins. You will not be expected to talk about your OCD during this session.
What happens in a module
- You receive a Zoom link by email beforehand. You do not need a Zoom account; you can join by clicking the link.
- You join a waiting room, and a facilitator lets you into the module.
- The facilitators welcome everyone, remind the group of the ground rules, and introduce the topic for that week.
- You work through structured learning and activities using your activity pack. Activities may involve writing, drawing, or reflecting on your own experiences.
- There are opportunities to take part in group discussions. Some activities are followed by a discussion, while others are just for you and do not need to be shared.
- There is a ten-minute break around halfway through the two-hour module.
- The facilitators bring the module to a close and explain what will be covered next.
Is The Bridge right for me?
Is this therapy?
No. The Bridge is a structured programme of education and peer support, not therapy or a drop-in support group. It does not replace cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention, known as CBT with ERP. It helps you understand OCD and what treatment involves, so you feel more prepared when treatment starts.
Do I need a formal OCD diagnosis?
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis. You just need to be waiting for OCD treatment, or to be the parent or caregiver of a young person who is.
Does it matter whether the waiting list is NHS or private?
No. You can be waiting for NHS or private treatment.
What if treatment starts while I am taking part?
That is fine. You can carry on with The Bridge alongside treatment, or step away if you feel you have got what you need.
Does it cost anything?
No. The Bridge is completely free.
Can I take part on my own?
Yes. A young person does not need their parent or caregiver to take part, and a parent or caregiver does not need the young person they support to take part. Many families choose to do both, but either can join independently.
Applying and joining
How do I apply?
Choose the option that applies to you on The Bridge page and complete the application form. The form asks about OCD, treatment, and what you are hoping to get from the programme, so give yourself enough time and complete it somewhere you feel comfortable. Someone from the team will then be in touch to talk it through.
I am under 18. Do I need permission?
Yes. If you are under 18, we need consent from your parent or caregiver before you can take part.
What if I need adjustments to take part?
The application form asks whether there is anything you or the young person you support needs to help you take part. We will do our best to make reasonable adjustments and will talk these through with you as part of the application. You can also ask us for more information about how the modules work before you decide.
What the modules are like
Will I have to talk?
The Bridge is interactive, and we strongly encourage everyone to take part in the activities and discussions. This helps you get the most from both the learning and the peer-support parts of the programme. However, you will not be asked to share something you do not want to share. If speaking feels difficult at any point, you can use the Zoom chat instead. Some activities are just for you and do not need to be shared with the group.
Do I need my camera on?
Yes. Everyone, including parents and caregivers, needs to keep their Zoom camera on during each module. This helps the facilitators keep the group safe and supportive and helps everyone stay connected. Your phone camera and any other cameras must stay off. Recording, screenshots, photographs, and videos are not permitted.
How long is each module?
Each module lasts two hours. This includes a ten-minute break around halfway through.
What happens if I miss a module?
The programme works best when everyone attends all eight modules wherever possible. We understand that sometimes things happen and you may need to miss one. Before each module, you will receive an activity pack for that week and an information pack summarising the previous module. These can help you catch up, but they do not replace the activities, learning, and discussions that happen during the live module.
Do I need to join from a private space?
Yes. Please join from somewhere private where other people cannot overhear the module or see what is happening on your screen. You can use headphones if other people are nearby. You will also need enough space to complete the activities in your pack.
Who else will be in my group?
Young people aged 14 to 17 and young adults aged 18 to 25 attend separate groups, so you will be with people at a similar stage.
Parents and caregivers meet separately from young people. You will never attend a module with your own parent, caregiver, or child.
Who runs the modules?
Every group is co-led by someone from OCD Action and a facilitator who lives with OCD. The content was developed with young people who live with OCD and overseen by specialist clinicians.
Will I make friends?
You will meet people with similar experiences who understand what living with OCD can be like. However, The Bridge is a structured programme focused on learning and preparing for treatment rather than a social group.
To protect everyone’s privacy and safety, participants must not contact one another outside the modules.
What does the parents and caregivers group cover?
The parents and caregivers group covers understanding OCD and the OCD cycle, treatment for OCD, supporting a young person through treatment, family life with OCD, looking after yourself and maintaining resilience, navigating treatment services, and leaving the programme with hope.
Privacy and confidentiality
Is The Bridge confidential?
Everyone taking part is asked to respect the privacy of the group. This means not sharing details about other participants or anything they have said, not recording the modules, and not contacting participants outside the programme.
OCD Action will also treat what you share as confidential. However, facilitators may need to share information if they are concerned about someone’s safety.
Will my parent or caregiver be told what I say?
We do not normally tell parents or caregivers what young people share in their group. The same applies the other way around: young people are not told what parents or caregivers share. However, facilitators may need to share information if they are concerned about someone’s safety.
Still have a question?
Ask us before you apply. Email thebridge@ocdaction.org.uk and we will get back to you within five working days.