RotaryRotary and Bipolar UK Bipolar UK is delighted to be working in partnership with Rotary Great Britain and Ireland. Together, we aim to reach and support 20% more people affected by bipolar in our first year. World Bipolar Day Campaign Rotary Bipolar eClub Bipolar UK 40th Birthday Celebrations Could it be bipolar? Understanding Bipolar Rotary partnership Rotary resources Fundraise Volunteer #SaveBipolarLives Bipolar UK Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to supporting those affected by bipolar and offers a range of support for everyone affected by the condition: Website resources accessed by 300,000 people every year Local peer support groups for people affected by bipolar, facilitated by volunteers with lived experience National online peer support groups A moderated eCommunity with over 11,000 active users One-to-one peer support by phone and email A free annual conference on World Bipolar Day A free Mood Tracker app to help manage the condition Taking our 20-minute ‘Understanding bipolar’ eLearning course 'I wouldn't have been able to have the life I do now if it wasn't for Bipolar UK and the amazing people I have met. I owe my life to Bipolar UK and I know others feel the same.' Cameron The Bipolar Commission Launched in March 2021, the Bipolar Commission is one of the largest engagement exercises of its kind in the mental health sector. Over 100 experts and people with lived experience were interviewed, and more than 7000 people responded to a series of surveys. The Commission aims to identify challenges in the healthcare system and to present recommendations for change – positive change that will improve the lives of those affected by bipolar and dramatically reduce the risk of suicide. The first two reports ‘Bipolar Diagnosis Matters’ and ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ were published in October 2021 and March 2022 respectively. The full Bipolar Commission report will be available in November 2022. You can read the reports and about the work of the Bipolar Commission here Get in touch at [email protected] Understanding Bipolar Partnership Resources Fundraise Volunteer Understanding Bipolar Bipolar is a life-long severe mental health illness characterised by highs and lows. Without the right treatment and support, bipolar can cause untold damage to someone’s life. The highs can lead to delusional thinking, excessive spending and risky decision making. Tragically, the lows can lead to suicide. People with bipolar may also experience episodes of psychosis at either end of the mood spectrum, a psychiatric emergency that requires urgent help and support. Bipolar UK’s Mood Scale is a helpful resource for understanding the condition. The facts There are over a million people living with bipolar in the UK – that’s roughly 1 in 50 people Bipolar affects people from all backgrounds, making little distinction across the world between social class, sexuality, ethnicity and gender People living with bipolar are 20 times more likely to take their own life People living with bipolar are 50 times more likely to self-harm Almost 50% of people with bipolar develop symptoms before the age of 21 It takes an average of 9.5 years to get a diagnosis But there is hope. With effective treatment, support and self-management, people with bipolar can lead full and productive lives. Manage Cookie Preferences