A Norwich-based support group for those living with Obsessional Compulsive Disorder - more widely known as OCD - has spaces available for its free one-to-one therapy sessions in the New Year.

The Norwich and Norfolk OCD Support Group recently received a £10,000 grant through the Big Lottery Fund and is offering the counselling to anyone who has, or feels the condition is impacting them.

Geraldine Scott, the organisation's founder and specialist psychotherapist, said: 'The condition is an anxiety disorder which takes over people's lives.

'OCD is not usually noticed in the very beginning because it comes across as an everyday behaviour. The person may start washing their clothes three times and that may move on to washing them six times.

'Then, over the years, they realise that it is taking longer to get anywhere or do anything - the behaviour is taking over.'

She added that the condition is very complex, often misunderstood and its seriousness underestimated. But help is available through the sessions, which focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques.

- For information visit www.norwichandnorfolkocdsupport.org.uk or call 01603 619246.

- Are you willing to share your experiences of living with OCD? Email louise.hepburn@archant.co.uk