Bipolar Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for people living with bipolar. In a world where it takes, on average, almost ten years to get a bipolar diagnosis and statutory services stretched thinner than ever, the need for organisations like ours has never been greater.
We provide invaluable services to our members, from supplying resources and information to peer support sessions, support groups both online and in-person, and self-management training focused on living well and managing bipolar.
We run 20+ monthly support groups across Scotland, both online and in person. These provide a welcoming and informal space for people living with bipolar, as well as family members, friends and carers, to connect with others who understand. They are particularly useful for people with a new diagnosis or anyone looking to find out more about bipolar, share experiences and build connections.
For people who prefer more focused, personal support, Beyond Diagnosis offers one-to-one peer support for people who have recently been diagnosed with bipolar. Support is available for up to six months, providing an opportunity to talk through concerns, understand more about bipolar and explore what support might be helpful.
Self-Management Training provides practical skills and strategies to help people living with bipolar better understand and manage their wellbeing. Participants explore bipolar, recognise patterns and triggers, develop self-management tools and learn alongside others with lived experience.
Momentum Works is our peer-led service supporting people with bipolar to feel more confident in work or study. It focuses on practical ways to stay well, navigate challenges and advocate for the support they need.
We also offer workplace training for organisations looking to improve their understanding of bipolar and create more inclusive workplaces or services. Organisations interested in finding out more are welcome to get in touch.
Almost all of our support is delivered by people with lived experience of bipolar. This shared experience is central to our approach, bringing understanding, empathy and a unique perspective to the support we provide.
Membership of Bipolar Scotland is free, as are all our services. The only criteria you need to access them is to live with bipolar or be a loved one of someone living with bipolar. We feel passionately that there should be as few barriers as possible between our services and the people that need them.
The theme of this conference resonates strongly with our work. ‘Rooted in Communities, Growing Together’ reflects the importance we place on creating connections and developing communities where people feel welcomed, understood and valued, and where lived experience is centred.
Our services provide opportunities for people to come together, share experiences and learn from one another. These connections can help reduce isolation, challenge stigma and create a greater sense of belonging.
We chose to participate in this conference because we wanted to expand our network and build as many relationships with local communities as possible. We are a very open and collaborative charity and, as such, want to take every opportunity we can to connect with people and continue to build our community.
For us, being rooted in communities means listening to and learning from the people we support, while growing together means using those shared experiences to develop our services, strengthen our connections and help create a better understanding of bipolar.
Ultimately, our communities are at the heart of what we do. By bringing people together, valuing lived experience and working collaboratively, we can continue to make a positive difference to the lives of people living with bipolar across Scotland.
