ABOUT US.
What we do
We are a small charity with a mighty impact. Our community of 500 members strong is involved in improving the lives of people affected by Bipolar through peer-support, advice and information, self-management training, challenging stigma, promoting participation in the Arts and shaping policy development as part of the Scottish Mental Health partnership.
ANNUAL GATHERING
We host an annual conference to provide our members with a get-together reducing social isolation.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering with Bipolar Scotland provides the opportunity to help others and a sense of community. It helps promote positive physiological changes in the brain associated with happiness. It also encourages a more active lifestyle and can distract from one’s own problems. It brings a sense of belonging and reduces isolation.
SELF HELP GROUPS
Our groups are open to all affected by bipolar disorder – this includes families, friends and carers.
“Allows you to share common experiences”
“Increases your self-esteem”
“Finding inspiration from others”
“Gaining empowerment over one’s own health”
SELF-MANAGEMENT TRAINING
Our self-management training and self-help groups are tools that used in helping and supporting people to live effective lives in the community. Regular contact with others in the groups improves quality of life and reduces isolation. Self-management goes a long way to helping people take their own steps to improve their quality of life, reduce stigma and feel better about themselves and how to cope with their condition.
We run self-help groups in Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Galashiels (Borders), Kirkcaldy (Fife), Glasgow (City & West), Greenock (Inverclyde), Edinburgh (Lothian), Coatbridge (North Lanarkshire), Paisley, Forth Valley, Bathgate (West Lothian) and Ayr. We also have a group in Edinburgh for the 18-30 age group and 18-26 Online Support Group run by young people. We also deliver a two-day self-management training course specifically for those living with bipolar disorder.
BIPOLAR SCOTLAND
Finally Here
Becoming a Bipolar Scotland Friend keeps you closer to our day to day work. From as little as £3 per month you can join us in the fight against stigma. You can join us in providing a safe space for people affected by bipolar disorder where they don’t need to hide who they are. Where they can remember how to be and know that it is okay not to be okay.
"My wife has suffered for 26 years since the birth of our daughter. Her illness was only diagnosed 5 years ago and is now on the correct medication. We have had dark times but we are doing well now. Anybody with this illness needs a strong and caring family around them whether it be friends or helpers - its the only way to get some kind of stability. We have been really lucky with this or my wife would not be here today. Please keep up your good work especially raising awareness and destroying the stigma of the illness. "
"I was lost before l joined Dundee Bipolar group. Id met a few other people with bipolar here and there, but it was never the right place or time to talk seriously. I felt isolated and totally lost. I joined an Anxiety Group which was helpful up to a point but l could only relate to some of what they were saying."
"More needs done for mental health in Scotland for sure, however bipolar Scotland has been a phenomenal help to not only myself but my partner too. Being at the support group helped him understand me so much more and in turn has made our relationship stronger. I only hope that if anyone is suffering that they reach out and get help 💜💜 Thank you "
LET’S CHAT
Studio 1015, Mile End Mill, Seedhill Road Paisley United Kingdom PA1 1TJ
0141 560 2050