Volunteer with us

Looking to fill gaps in your CV, support a return to work, or to use your free time or retirement to make a real difference? 

Join the team at Bipolar UK and support our mission to build a better world together for everyone affected by bipolar.

Get in touch

Volunteering as a group co-facilitator for Bipolar UK has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I have seen people get well in the groups and we have formed such a strong community, a safe space where people feel able to come and discuss their bipolar and find true peer support.

CC

I never expected to make so many good friends through my volunteering role. I have definitely gained more than I’ve given.

GL

Volunteering has taught me a great deal about people management. You learn how to cope with people and get to know them well.

GW

Who can volunteer for Bipolar UK? 

Anyone who’s 18 or older can apply to volunteer for Bipolar UK. Many of our volunteering roles need lived experience, so we particularly welcome volunteers who live with the condition, and their families. However, we are unable to offer student placements, work experience or internships.

What kind of volunteers is Bipolar UK looking for?

We look for volunteers who:

  • Communicate well
  • Enjoy teamwork
  • Are able to adapt and willing to learn
  • Are reliable, punctual and good at time management 
  • See situations with objectivity and compassion 

Bipolar UK is committed to embracing diversity by promoting and sustaining an open, inclusive and supportive environment.

It is our priority to make sure that people are judged on their ability and potential, not on their background and situation. 

We will seek to treat people fairly, regardless of visible and non-visible differences, such as mental health, health, gender, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religious beliefs or practices, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, family/marital status, social background, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, caring responsibilities, spent criminal convictions or trade union affiliation.

What does Bipolar UK do?

Formed as a local support system for the community by the community, Bipolar UK has supported people living with the condition, and their loved ones, since 1983.

Today, we are the only national charity dedicated to empowering people with bipolar andtheir families. 

Each year we support thousands of individuals through our range of peer support services, our research and our campaign work.

Volunteering for Bipolar UK has led to work opportunities, carrying our peer support, projects and events work. I would highly recommend volunteering to anyone affected by bipolar!

EF

So many people are affected by bipolar disorder, but no one talks about it! I’m proud to be able to give voice to my community.

PT

Volunteering helps me to make sense of my experiences of being unwell with bipolar. It often makes people feel less alone to talk about their experiences with someone who has been through similar difficulties.

GF

How do volunteers support the work of Bipolar UK?

We couldn’t exist without the amazing support of our dedicated team of volunteers. Roles include: 

  • Support Group Co-Facilitators who help us to host a network of peer support groups across the UK – these groups run both in person and online
  • Media Volunteers who support us with press enquiries and content creation for our social media platforms
  • Fundraising Event Volunteers who support our in-person events

What commitment does Bipolar UK make to volunteers?

We want you to get the most out of volunteering with us and we take our responsibility towards you very seriously.

To support you, we will:

  • Support your wellbeing every single step of the way by answering your questions, providing 1-1 support calls and reflective practice sessions where needed, and offering external support where appropriate
  • Provide clear descriptions for our volunteering roles.
  • Treat volunteers fairly and in accordance with the Bipolar UK Equal Opportunities policy
  • Ensure volunteers’ information is kept securely and in accordance with Bipolar UK Privacy policy, the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
  • Keep volunteers informed of relevant changes, including to policies and staff
  • Provide appropriate training and support to encourage and develop volunteers in every role
  • Work collaboratively with all our volunteers to improve the services we deliver, identifying training needs and providing additional learning
  • Ensure our volunteering practices are compliant with current and relevant legislation
  • Reimburse agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with Bipolar UK’s policy and guidance
  • Celebrate and recognise all our volunteers’ successes and ongoing contributions to the charity
  • Provide regular training as part of role development where relevant

What training does Bipolar UK provide for volunteers?

Our Support Group Co-Facilitators are given an induction and training. 

This may take place in person or online in a group session. As part of this induction, volunteers will receive:

  • The manual for their volunteering role if relevant
  • Copies of relevant Bipolar UK policies
  • Any other appropriate documents

Training is an ongoing commitment for both Bipolar UK staff and volunteers. Training sessions are usually held by the Bipolar UK team, although external training will be given whenever relevant and appropriate.

What commitment does Bipolar ask volunteers to make?

We expect all volunteers to:

  • Display empathy and understanding of the needs of others
  • Understand and follow our mission and values
  • Follow our policies and guidelines 
  • Communicate effectively with the staff team 
  • Have basic IT and literacy skills

  • We work with volunteers to co-facilitate our network of support groups which are hosted both in person and online. 

    Our Co-Facilitators host regular group meetings either online via Zoom or in a community space in their local area.

    The role also involves admin tasks, including completing group reports, reporting any incidents during the meeting to Bipolar UK and communicating with group members via our Online Community.

  • To join us as a Support Group Co-Facilitator, you need to:

    1. Complete our application form
    2. Send your complicated application form to supportgroups@bipolaruk.org
    3. Have an informal phone interview with one of our friendly peer support team
    4. Provide two referees we can contact for a reference
    5. Have an enhanced DBS check which we will arrange

    The information we gather throughout this process follows our safeguarding procedures and helps us to make an informed decision about whether the volunteering role is right for you.

  • Bipolar UK is often contacted by journalists from magazines, national newspapers, TV, radio and online platforms asking if we can set up an interview with someone affected by bipolar.

    It is useful for us to have a bank of people with a diagnosis of bipolar or their family/friends who we can contact when we get media requests.

    We contact our Media Volunteers if we’re looking for:

    • interviews with journalists
    • first-person blogs and written quotes
    • short videos for our social media platforms
    • speakers for InstaLives, webinars and events

    We hope this volunteer role will support our mission to improve public awareness and understanding of bipolar, and to banish stigma and misinformation in media representations of the condition.

  • To join us as a Media Volunteer, you need to:

    1. Download and read our Media Volunteer Pack
    2. Sign up to become a Media Volunteer here 

  • Our fundraising team is building up a bank of volunteers to support different fundraising opportunities. 

    We contact our Fundraising Event Volunteers if we’re looking for:

    • Support at cheering stations at marathons, half-marathons and other high-profile events
    • Help to run information stalls at conferences, recruitment fares and freshers’ events

  • To join us as a Fundraising Event Volunteer, please complete our application form

Scroll to top