This OA/TOF Awareness Week, we are happy to announce the launch of our collaboration with Rareminds. This 8 week small group programme offers specialist mental health support for adults born with OA/TOF.
This programme is possible due to our successful Big Give fundraising campaign, so thank you to everyone who donated. We hope to run a similar programme for parents and carers later in the year.
This small group programme will involve a combination of information and group discussion on themes such as living with uncertainty, making the most of appointments, coping with family and relationship dynamics, and managing anxiety.
It will provide a supportive, confidential space to share experiences and meet with others experiencing similar situations.
Over the 8 weeks there is an opportunity to explore common themes, discuss practical and emotional coping strategies – and meet online with others in a similar situation.
Bring a big cup of tea or coffee too!
About the programme
The programme will run:
6.00pm – 7.30pm
Every Thursday via Zoom
The first session is:
Thursday, 9th April, 2026
and run for 8 weeks
Who is running the programme?
These sessions are being facilitated by Rareminds, an organisation who provide highly specialised counselling for the rare condition community. The programme will be lead by registered therapist Zubyda Azzam.
Zubyda Azzam UKCP Accred.
Zubyda is registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and has worked as a therapist in a variety of settings including the NHS, prisons, refugee camps, and residential therapeutic communities. She was also a volunteer with the Samaritans for over 10 years. She is particularly passionate about the therapeutic potential of groups for rare disease communities.
Register your interest
IMPORTANT:
There will be a maximum of 12 participants, on a “first come, first served” basis. Although we understand “life happens”, please be prepared to commit in principle to all 8 sessions in order to make the most of the experience.
This programme is open to adults born with OA/TOF who are members of the TOFS charity. If you are not yet a member, please sign-up here.
To register for a place, please email TOFS via hayley@tofs.org.uk. Please include your full name and contact phone number in your email. This information will be shared with Rareminds who will send a pre-group questionnaire.
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 8th March, 2026 but may close earlier subject to the number of successful applicants – so please register as soon as possible.
