PHOBIA sufferers in Salisbury will be given the chance to face their fears with the launch of a new support group.

The Triumph Over Phobia (TOP UK) Salisbury Group plans to hold weekly meetings in the city.

Trilby Breckman, who is the development manager for the OCD and Phobia charity, said: “We help people that suffer from OCD and phobias, and the New Year is often the time when people make a resolution to overcome their anxiety.”

She says the types of phobias can range from social ones to fears of sickness.

“We use behaviour therapy based on exposure.

“We get people to face their fears every day in a very controlled, structured way,” she added.

“It is about achieving goals each week and as the anxiety reduces you can do more and more.”

According to figures 10 per cent of the population have a phobia with around two to three per cent suffering from OCD.

More volunteers are still needed to get the group off the ground as Trilby explains. “We need to recruit a couple of volunteers.

“We want to train them up to run the group.

“They don’t have to have any qualifications, they just have to be good listeners and have an interest in helping people.”

Training will be provided to volunteers.

The support group plans to meet on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm. A location for the meeting is still to be confirmed.

Professor of Clinical Psychology and Applied Science at the University of Bath Paul Salkovskis, who is a medical advisor to the charity, added: “For a range of reasons people experience difficulties obtaining appropriate treatment and this can lead to considerable delay for people accessing effective treatment for disabling problems.

“What makes this particularly sad is that this is needless as such treatment is highly effective work and helps restore quality of life.”

To join the group or volunteer call Trilby on 01225 422705 or 07763 826618. Alternatively, email info@topuk.org.uk

TOP UK has three places up for grabs for anyone interested in running the Bath Half Marathon on March 1.

Those interested will need to raise a minimum of £175 for TOP UK. For more information call Trilby on the above number.