Peer Support Group FAQs

Bipolar UK runs free support groups online and in person all over the UK. Going to a group helps people affected by bipolar to connect, share and live well.

  • Bipolar UK support groups are open to you if you:

    • have a diagnosis of bipolar
    • think you may have bipolar
    • are a family member, friend, loved one or colleague of someone living with bipolar
    • are 18 or older
    • are 16 or 17, if you bring a parent, legal guardian or carer along

  • We run different types of support group:

    • national online groups, including meetings for women, men, friends and family, and anyone living in England
    • local online groups
    • local in-person groups

  • You can attend our support groups in two ways:

    • Online – these meetings are via Zoom
    • In person – these meetings are held in venues across the UK

  • All group members are asked to follow our Support Group Code of Conduct.

    Each meeting is different, but a typical meeting might include:

    • Group discussions on suggested topics, such as managing bipolar in everyday life, navigating relationships, self-care strategies and medication side effects
    • A guest speaker

My local support group has been my lifeline for the past six years. I can’t imagine I’d be coping so well if I didn’t have such amazing support. Thank you!

Sam

The group began to share one by one, and I started to realise this may be the right place for me after all. I shared my experiences which were met with validating smiles. I felt a huge lifting of shame.

Emma

It's such a huge relief to meet with other people who are coping with similar problems. Your support groups provide so much really beneficial information and practical advice.

Rick

The group meetings have helped me not to feel alone in circumstances that can be overwhelmingly painful and frightening.

Amelia

What are the benefits of attending a support group meeting?

For over 40 years, Bipolar UK has been running support groups for people affected by bipolar. People who attend tell us there are lots of benefits, including:

1. You can feel less alone

People who go to a support group often say they enjoy meeting people who really understand what bipolar is like.

2. It’s a safe environment

Anything that’s shared with the group is confidential.

You don’t need to say a word if you don’t want to, although everyone gets the chance to speak.

The aim is to create a non-judgemental space where everyone who attends feels comfortable, supported and accepted.

3. You can be anonymous

You can use a different name. And if you join an online meeting, you are welcome to turn your camera off.

4. Attendance is flexible  

Because joining a group doesn’t require a referral, you can turn up whenever you feel like it. But you don’t need to attend if you don’t feel like it.

You’re also free to leave at any time.

5. It’s free

Groups are free to attend.

6. You can gather info

People often share lots of practical information at group meetings – about anything from travel insurance or managing debt, to coping with the side effects of medication.

Sometimes groups arrange a speaker – perhaps a local pharmacist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Joining a group is a good way to increase your knowledge base about the condition.

Join your local support group

Use our Peer Support Group Finder to find your nearest in-person or online support meetings.

Search for groups