WMOCD
West Midlands OCD Support Group
“Helping to support OCD sufferers and their carers”
Dear Group Member,
Open Letter from the Chairman.
This time last year the Groups' future looked very grim with the lack of funding and the absence of willing volunteers to help with the running of the Group.
Then a surprise out of the blue, when our Group Founder Member: Anne Calder-Bennett donated £500.00 of her own money to keep the Group going until a formal benefactor could be found to grant funding on a more permanent basis.
God bless you Anne for your extremely kind and generous gesture and you may be assured that we will do everything in our power to search for permanent funding and to continue to develop the Group as you would wish to see it.
Most of you will know that unfortunately Anne has stepped down and resigned from the Committee to make way for her studies, however she still has the interests of the Group at heart and will attend future meetings whenever she can.
It is encouraging to see regular attendances and new visitors at our open group meetings, the numbers keep steady between 18 and 22 each month and many of you have decided to join the Group as fully subscribed members, so as to make the most out of the Library and information resources available.
It's also good to see “new blood” on the Committee with fresh ideas, people to contact and a willingness to help with the management of the Group administration duties.
Please keep up your support for the group, it exists to support you and to provide a friendly, informal forum for OCD sufferers and their carers.
John Hinckes
Chairman
Programme of Events
This Years' Programme of events is at its early stages of completion, however your Committee has managed to arrange for some speakers and social events as follows:-
Saturday 16 th June at 2.30 p.m. ( Carrs Lane )
Guest Speaker: Chris Needham, Carer Support Worker
Birmingham and Solihull NHS Mental Health NHS Trust
Saturday 21 st July at 2.30 p.m. ( Carrs Lane )
Guest Speakers: Josie Diep, Information Officer
and Kay Donaghy Mental Health Advocate
Making Space, Information and Advocacy Services Solihull
Saturday 25 th August 2007
Social Event: TEN PIN BOWLING
At Star City Birmingham (please forward your names to the Secretary)
Saturday 15 th September at 2.30 p.m. ( Carrs Lane )
Guest Speaker: Phil Cleaver, Befriending Service and Voluntary Co-Ordinator
MIND – Birmingham
Saturday 20 th October at 2.30 p.m. ( Carrs Lane )
Guest Speaker: Tim Kingsbrooke-Davies, Head Pharmacist
Specialist in Mental Health Medicine
Saturday 17 th November at 2.30 p.m. ( Carrs Lane )
Group Open MeetingThis is your opportunity to meet with old acquaintances and make new friends during our relaxed and informal open discussion sessions. You are invited to bring along a relative or carer and can take part in discussions or listen to others; there is no pressure to involve you if you do not wish to actively participate.
Saturday 15 th December at 12.00 noon
Christmas Meal
At the Victorian Restaurant, Great Western Arcade , Birmingham City Centre.
More information regarding this event will be made available nearer the date.
Looking forward to your presence and support at the Group Meetings !
John Hinckes
Chairman