I have been a volunteer with TOP since May 2024. The group which I run with Esme is called “Sunflower” and runs every Tuesday at 6.30pm. The Sunflower group started when I joined TOP and now has 6 regular members plus two leaders.

When I stopped working full time ,I began to study aspects of mental health through various college courses and one of the websites I was referred to ,during a study session on OCD, was for TOP UK.

I was attracted by the induction process for volunteers and the ability to learn and practise that learning so I applied to join TOP and I started working in group with an experienced co leader. Charlotte went on to study medicine and when she did I became much more active in running the group. It was all quite daunting to begin with but with support from TOP my confidence grew and I now feel very comfortable running the group with my co leader.

I really enjoy working together with another volunteer to run the group .We always meet briefly before and after group sessions to discuss ideas and progress. I also enjoy Reflective Practice where there is a chance to meet and speak to other volunteers.

In Sunflower, we try to be as creative and inventive as we can. We have encouraged people with glosophobia to practice short presentations in group, we have some members writing short stories to play with words and images in a way that is meaningful but challenging for them . Esme has run some Visualisation work and two of the group have been reciting their challenging Emetophobic words in their homework and in group not just in English but in Korean and Spanish too.

It is just great to see group members growing in confidence and confronting their OCD or their Phobias. Like all Group Leaders we have seen people take on challenges which they would not have done before joining TOP. Often simple things, for example, those with glosophobia now turn on the cameras in work Teams Meetings or volunteer to run group discussion sessions at work or even social events.

The role is challenging and it comes with a responsibility. It takes time and thought to prepare the group sessions but it is enormously satisfying when people progress . There is also so much to learn and I have found it very rewarding to develop my role and skills as a TOP volunteer.

When I have the opportunity I tell others about TOP and I talk about Phobias and OCD. It’s so misunderstood and under resourced. But, I do feel we make a good contribution at TOP!

Richard.