Our History

Liz Hickey

In the early 1990s, Liz Hickey, a counsellor, began facilitating OCD support groups in St. Edmundsbury and St. Patrick's Hospital. It was through her dedication and perseverance that she was able to begin OCD Ireland at a time when support, information and understanding was low. It has been through her initial efforts that OCD Ireland has been able to grow from an organisation of one to our current status of endeavouring to provide information and support at a national level. It is our hope that we will continue to go from strength to strength without ever forgetting our humble beginnings with Liz.

Alfie Mitchell

I approached the Gerry Ryan 2FM radio show after hearing a mother of an OCD sufferer on whose son just wasn't getting the right help and support. I felt strongly that hearing statistics of between 2-3% of the population suffer with OCD, we as a country at that time had no support groups, was a terrible injustice to OCD sufferers. I hoped to meet like-minded sufferers and loved ones and help in starting regional groups in Ireland. I received a great response and since we met at a big meeting we have formed a committee which has met a number of times. I live in the Kerry region and we desperately need a support group here, as I learnt so do all regions of Ireland. It takes time to set up an organisation properly, clearly defining what we are about so as to be taken seriously. I have had to learn to be patient and I hope you will agree, we really are getting there. The name of the organisation OCD Ireland and this website is a part of that organisation. Feel free to contact us with any worthwhile contribution and anyone who is interested in helping at a committee level, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Alfie Mitchell