Happy Christmas Everyone and Reflections of 2009

Kylie Cloke

By Kylie Cloke, Chair of OCD-UK

As we head towards the end of 2009, and into 2010 – I wanted to take a moment to reflect back on the past year and look forward to the upcoming one.

OCD-UK has gone from strength to strength during 2009, and I am extremely proud to be part of a team that has continued to pilot innovative new ideas and projects to further raise the awareness of OCD amongst the general public, the health professionals and within the media, a team that provides help, guidance and support to those affected by this debilitating illness, and a team that continues to campaign for improved access to quality care and treatment for those affected by OCD. As we head into 2010, I will be leading the team to continue with our core missions and to pilot even more innovative new ideas.

I would like to take this moment to thank a numerous amount of people – far too many people to list individually!! Firstly, and it goes without saying, that a huge thank you needs to go to Ashley. Without his hard work, passion and determination, OCD-UK would not exist, and would not be the fantastic charity that it is. I am sure some could argue that he is just doing his job – but I think we all know it goes much further than that.  

I would like to thank Maria Bavetta – Chair of OCD-UK until October 2009. Her professionalism and devotion to OCD-UK has been immense, and she had led the team to wonderful new heights – I aim to follow in her footsteps, and continue with the hard work that she started.

Next, I would like to thank all our volunteers who give up their time freely for the benefit of the charity. From our Administrators and Moderators , who offer support and guidance, and ensure our forums run as smoothly as possible to our Proof Readers who ensure our magazines and literature reads correctly, to our E-Mail Support team who answer queries and questions sent to OCD-UK, to our Cheer Squad who stand for hours supporting our runners across the country. The list of volunteers is truly endless, but without each and every one of them – our Charity would not run as effectively as it does.

I would like  to thank our fundraisers. Whether it be a coffee morning, or running a 26 mile marathon around the streets of London – the funds they raise for us is greatly needed to ensure our financial stability, and to allow us to lead further forward.

And last but by no means least, to all of you – our members. Our community is amazing!! There is always someone around on the forums to offer help, understanding and support when needed – to help someone who wants to understand more about the diagnosis they have received, to help individuals who are undergoing treatment and just needs to rant and rave, and to be a listening ear for those that are struggling. From personal experience, I know that I wouldn’t be where I am now without the charity and forums – and I am sure the same can be said for many. Thank you for spending your free time to offer help and support to others, for building up a safe community that allows those affected by OCD the chance to talk without fear of judgement and for donating your membership money to ensure financial stability for OCD-UK.

With just a week of 2009 left, I do hope that you have some happy memories of 2009. For those of you that have overcome OCD during 2009, I wish that 2010 remains an OCD free time for you. For those of you that have made progress with your battle against OCD, I hope 2010 continues to provide more progresses, and for those that have found 2009 a hard year, I hope that 2010 brings some relief. Wherever we are with our individual battles against OCD, OCD-UK will continue to offer help, support and guidance during the upcoming year.

I would like to wish you all a Happy Holiday and a Prosperous New Year.

Kylie
Xxx