Overview

Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by bipolar. Bipolar is one of the biggest mental health challenges of the 21st century with one in fifty people affected by it. Bipolar increases an individual’s risk of suicide by up to 20 times but it takes an average of 9 years to get a correct diagnosis. 

The mission of Bipolar UK is to empower everyone affected by bipolar to live well and fulfil their potential. Peer support is at the core of their work.  This means people affected by bipolar helping others. Their integrated service consists of:

• More than 85 peer support groups for people affected by bipolar, facilitated by trained and supported volunteers – many groups have now migrated online
• A moderated eCommunity with over 9,000 active users
• One-to-one peer support provided by telephone and email, recognising that support groups and digital services will not be for everyone (for this service it is necessary to book an appointment on their website or by email one week in advance)
• Information and resources provided on their website which is used by over 360,000 people a year
• Empowering approximately 1,000 people per month to stay well and we have the ambition to reach thousands more

Bipolar UK services are open to anyone pre-diagnosis or affected by bipolar over the age of 16 and are free to use. For information and services for young people search on the website for “young people”.

Borough Support Group. The nearest group in south London is the Borough Support Group. Support Groups are free to attend and are open to anyone affected by bipolar, including family, friends and carers.