Support for parents and caregivers while a young person waits for OCD treatment
When a young person you support is struggling with OCD and waiting for treatment, it can be hard to know how to help. The wait can stretch on for months, and it is easy to feel out of your depth. The Bridge is a free online programme for parents and caregivers of young people aged 14 to 25 who are waiting for OCD treatment.
“We feel less alone and much better informed about OCD and treatment. Hearing from the facilitators and other parents gave us practical ways to support our child and, most importantly, more hope.”
Parents who took part in The Bridge
The Bridge is a structured programme of education and peer support, not a drop-in support group. Over eight weekly modules, you will learn how OCD works and what keeps it going, what evidence-based treatment involves and what to expect, and how to navigate NHS services and advocate for the young person you support.
You will also explore how to support a young person to get the most from treatment and how to look after your own wellbeing while you wait.
Each module includes structured learning, interactive activities, and opportunities to talk about your experiences with other parents and caregivers. You will also receive written information to keep and refer back to.
The young person you support can join their own Bridge group over the same eight weeks, in a separate space designed for young people. You do not have to take part together for either of you to join.
What you will cover
Each weekly module covers a different part of understanding OCD, treatment, and how you can support the young person in your life.
- Module 1: Understanding OCD
- Module 2: The OCD cycle and anxiety
- Module 3: Treatment for OCD
- Module 4: Supporting your child through treatment
- Module 5: Life with a child living with OCD
- Module 6: Looking after yourself and maintaining resilience
- Module 7: Navigating treatment services for OCD
- Module 8: Leaving with hope, featuring inspirational speakers
What happens
- Eight weekly interactive modules online, over Zoom
- A supportive group of parents and caregivers, with the same people each week
- Structured learning, interactive activities, and opportunities to talk about your experiences
- Content developed with young people who live with OCD and overseen by specialist clinicians
- Every group is co-led by someone from OCD Action and a facilitator who lives with OCD
- Written information and resources to keep
- A separate space from the young people’s groups, so everyone can talk openly
How to join
The next Bridge programme starts in October 2026. Places are limited, so it is worth applying early.
Are you a young person with OCD?
The Bridge has separate groups for young people aged 14 to 17 and young adults aged 18 to 25.
Got a question first?
If you are not sure whether The Bridge is right for your family, ask us before you apply. Send us a question below and we will get back to you within five working days.