What is power of attorney? You can nominate someone to look after your finances when you are unable to Expand Helping a friend or relative who is struggling to manage their finances can be difficult, especially if they do not have the mental capacity to make their own decisions. For many people, the solution is to make a power of attorney - a way of giving someone the legal power to manage their finances. In most cases, making a power of attorney will mean an end to the problems that can arise in these situations. But sometimes things go wrong, which is why the ombudsman has provided tips for both banks and consumers on power of attorney – and how to avoid problems. For more information, please visit the Financial Ombudsman's website
debt & benefits advice links Links to other websites and organisations that can offer information and support about benefits. Expand PayPlan They are a free debt advice provider and offer expert advice around debt management to help you make a plan to get your debts and payments under control. If you would like to speak with one of their advisors, email [email protected] or click here. Department for Work and PensionsThis is a useful resource giving information about options for claiming benefits for both people with disabilities and their carers. It also provides instructions about how to go about claiming. Citizens AdviceFree, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. Turn2UsA national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. Advice NowInformation on the law and your rights regarding benefits and employment. Healthy Start A government based initiative that helps pregnant women on benefits or under the age of 18, and families with young children on benefits, get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins.
Mental Health Charities Links to other mental health charities that can offer information and support. Expand Samaritans A 24/7 confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK and Ireland. You can call them for free on 116 123 Bipolar ScotlandProviding support groups for people in Scotland who are affected by bipolar disorder and to all who care for them. MindOffer support and advice on a wide range of mental health issues, as well as an information and legal advice line. Rethink Mental IllnessWorks to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. SANE Working to improve quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness, including an emotional support line. Mental Health FoundationA mental health research, policy and service improvement charity committed to reducing the suffering caused by mental ill health and to help everyone lead mentally healthier lives. Disability Rights UKLeading change, working to create a society where everyone with lived experience of disability or health conditions can participate equally as full citizens. HafalA Welsh charity offering a range of services to people with serious mental health illness including direct support and advice, support in a crisis, advocacy, groups and employment and training projects. No PanicA charity for people suffering from panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), other related anxiety disorders. GofalLeading Welsh mental health and wellbeing charity, providing a wide range of services to people with mental health problems. Mood SwingsNational Helpline and online support providing free and confidential information, advice and support to people with mood disorders, family, friends and health and social care professionals. Together UKProvides services in the community and hospitals and prisons for people with mental health needs and their carers.
If I am detained in hospital can my friends and family visit me? Who can see me when I am under section in hospital? Your rights as an inpatient explained Expand You have the right to visits from your family and friends. If the hospital or doctor do not think it is beneficial for you to receive visitors, they must have a very good reason related to your health and safety to stop visits. If visits are stopped, the decision should be recorded and the record should be made available to the Mental Health Act Commission.
Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) allows eligible people with mental illness in crisis to have legal protections from their creditors Expand You can only apply for Breathing Space by seeking advice from a debt adviser. This scheme is only open to people who are under crisis help from a mental health service. You can read the Guidance for money advisors and a factsheet from, the National Debtline
Who are support meetings for? Bipolar UK offer support meetings, usually monthly Expand Meetings are open to all people affected by bipolar, with or without a diagnosis and including related conditions rapid cycling and cyclothymia. Our Support Groups are intended for people aged 18 and above. If you're aged between 16 and 18 you can attend a Support Group if you're accompanied by a parent or guardian You are welcome to bring someone with you to the group to provide you with support. If the carer is acting within a professional capacity, we ask that they attend in this role rather than as an active participant of the group You are welcome whether you are a : family member carer friend partner Some specialist groups are intended for particular people such as family, friends and carers or young people. We also have an occasional session relating to work and learning. Groups are not open for the purposes of academic or other research. They for individuals affected by bipolar to receive support we do not allow people to attend for any academic or professional reasons. Nor are group groups for campaigning - but all groups do receive information from Bipolar UK about local and national mental health campaigns. Find a support groups near you for further details and booking
Is there a cure for bipolar? Bipolar is a lifelong condition and there is no cure. It can be managed to minimise its impact. Expand Although much progress has been made in understanding bipolar, it is a lifelong condition without a cure. Research has still not led to a consensus on either the cause or a cure. However, with good self care bipolar can be managed. Some research suggests that there is, if not a known genetic link, then certainly an inherited predisposition to developing bipolar. It is also known that stressful life events may trigger an episode of mania, hypomania or depression. As our understanding of the function of the brain increases, more insights and more effective medication can be developed. This is why Bipolar UK works in partnership with academia and other research organisations.
Tell me about Quetiapine Summary information about Quetiapine also known as Atrolak, Biquelle, Ebesque, Seroquel, Tenprolide or Zaluron Expand Quetiapine (Atrolak, Biquelle, Ebesque, Seroquel, Tenprolide or Zaluron) Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and it is known by several brand names in the UK: Atrolak, Biquelle, Ebesque, Seroquel, Tenprolide or Zaluron. Information relating to its use, dosage and side effects can be found on the website of the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE) - British National Formulary (BNF)
Tell me about Lithium Summary information about Lithium Carbonate, also known as Camcolit, Liskonum, Priadel and the liquid version, Lithium Citrate also known as Priadel liquid, Li-liquid Expand Lithium Carbonate (Camcolit, Liskonum, Priadel) and Lithium Citrate (Priadel liquid, Li-liquid) Lithium Carbonate and Lithium Citrate are mood stabilising medications used in the treatment of bipolar. Lithium Carbonate is known in the UK by several brand names: Camcolit, Liskonum and Priadel whilst Lithium citrate is known by Priadel liquid or Li-liquid. Information relating to use, dosage and side effects can be found on the website of the National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE) - British National Formulary (BNF): Information on Lithium Carbonate Information on Lithium Citrate
Women and Bipolar Links to other websites and organisations that can offer you support for post-natal illness Expand New mental health guidance for mothers and babies New advice on perinatal mental health services for women, their partners and their families by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in partnership with NHS England and Health Education England. APP - Action on Postpartum PsychosisProvide information to women who have experienced Postpartum Psychosis and their families PNI -Post Natal IllnessInformation and support for those affected by post natal illness Everyone's BusinessA campaign calling for all women throughout the UK who experience perinatal mental health problems to receive the care they and their families need, wherever and whenever they need it.
Employment links Other websites and organisations that can offer you support for workplace related issues Expand ACASProvides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. You can call the ACAS Helpline on 0300 123 1100 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm) Shaw TrustProvide support to people who need help to be independent, economically active and to contribute to society. Disability rights overviewOverview of the rights that protect you from discrimination Do-It - VolunteeringVolunteering can boost your confidence and make you more employable. The UK’s national volunteering database, Do-it.org makes it easy for anyone to volunteer in their community.
Writing an Advance Choice document A leaflet offering advice about making decisions about your personal welfare, property and financial affairs. Expand Find out more about advance planning for people with bipolar disorder – making decisions about your personal welfare, property and financial affairs. Download the Advance Choice template leaflet For more personal experiences and information read our blog: Medication and treatment
Can i get help with debt? The Debt Respite Scheme allows eligible people with mental illness in crisis to have legal protections from their creditors Expand If you have problem debt and you meet the eligibility criteria and conditions and you are receiving mental health crisis treatment, you may be eligible for help under this scheme. You can read the Guidance for money advisors and a factsheet from, the National Debtline
Legal Advice and Support Helpful links to other websites and organisations that can offer you legal advice and support Expand Citizens AdviceFree, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities Mind Legal LineProvides legal information and general advice on mental health related law covering; mental health, mental capacity, community care, human rights and discrimination/equality related to mental health issues. Advice NowAn independent, not-for-profit website, providing accurate information on rights and the law. British Institute of Human RightsProviding people with authoritative and accessible information about human rights. Find a solicitorA free service for anyone looking for information about organisations or people providing legal services in England and Wales Equality Advisory and Support ServiceAssists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights, across England, Scotland and Wales LibertyLiberty is a human rights organisation that runs a free human rights advice service for members of the public and voluntary organisations.
If I want to have a baby what do I need to know? Information on planning for pregnancy and childbirth Expand Women with bipolar are at particular risk of having a severe episode of illness such as postpartum psychosis (PP). Bipolar UK has produced a leaflet on this subject. There is also a podcast you can listen to featuring a talk between Psychiatrist Dr Ian Jones and Clare Dolman, (Vice Chair of Bipolar UK) about how bipolar can affect women, particularly during pregnancy and after birth. You can also find more information about postpartum psychosis and how to avoid or cope with it on the APP website where you can find details of a Second Opinion perinatal service. To see one couple's experience check out the video below.