The peer support group, now known as Cromer OCD & Anxiety Peer Support, (C.O.A.P.S.) was originally introduced back in 2009 by local lady, Keira Bartlett.

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Keira had suffered with ongoing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, (OCD) & Body Dysmorphic Disorder, (BDD) for many years. Instead of feeling discouraged by the lack of local help addressing cognitive conditions such as these, Keira used this as a positive drive; ensuring support was both available & easily accessible for everybody who needed help.

Having a first-hand understanding of these & similar conditions is the main contributing factor to the support groups success. This aspect is also which led to the group having a peer-to-peer support format. An element which has continued over to the newer group, C.O.A.P.S.

 

Keira's original vision was to create a friendly & safe atmosphere where individuals, family & friends dealing with anxiety issues could receive non-judgmental support. This is regardless whether or not they're receiving any other treatment(s).

C.O.A.P.S. achieves this idea as the support group enables members to share in confidence any issues they are wanting too in a safe environment. With the format of peer-to-peer support, the group enables people to receive positive support from others that are understanding to their situation & difficulties while encouraging others & sharing in the celebration of any triumphs.

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Once the original group was set up & well established, thus enabling many people throughout North Norfolk to access this help, Keira's hard work was recognised. This lead Kiera to be head hunted by OCD Action.

Despite the coordinator leaving in 2013 the groups future remained positive. Especially as Keira’s new job enabled her to continue working closely with the support group.

The group was able to continue at this time as it was supported by a non-profit making organisation which also governed similar groups. Unfortunately, in 2015 after this funding became non-existent, it also saw the end of the support group.

However, a few months after its closure the national charity, OCD Action recognised the need for another support group in the area. OCD Action's project, ‘Always Better Together’ started the hunt to find a new team to re-open a new support group.

There was a huge response & in January, 2016 the doors opened to a newly re-named group, Cromer Head-Space. In later years this group moved from their fortnightly location of Merchants Place, Cromer to the Football ground in Cromer. With this move in 2018 came the re-vamp of the group, including the new name, Cromer OCD & Anxiety Peer Support, also known as C.O.A.P.S.

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Due to the supportive friendships which had already formed during the previous groups & attendants believing in the help that they were receiving, C.O.A.P.S. saw & welcomed back the return of many original members. As well as familiar faces C.O.A.P.S. reached out & welcomed new members.

 

Now with a dedicated committee behind it & the partnership with OCD Action’s project, ‘Always Better Together’ C.O.A.P.S. continue to provide the much needed support for individuals, family & friends dealing with OCD & anxiety issues.