Patrons and Friends Patrons Paul Abbott Paul Abbott, the creator of Shameless and Clocking Off, is one of the most critically and commercially successful British TV writers and producers. He became a patron for Bipolar UK in 2012. Paul says if organisations like Bipolar UK closed it would be a tragedy. “I can think of three men who would not be alive if I had not insisted they needed to act and to start by getting in touch with the charity." Bill Oddie, OBE William Edgar Oddie OBE is an English writer, comedian, composer, musician, artist, birder, conservationist, television presenter and actor. It wasn’t until 2010 that he openly discussed his diagnosis of depression and bipolar disorder. "10 years to arrive at a correct diagnosis! Really? I can believe it. It happened to me. It’s happening to others right now. It could be fatal.” Bill has been a patron for Bipolar UK for almost a decade. James Wade James is the second most successful player in the history of the PDC and at 24 became the youngest player to win a major PDC World Darts Championship title. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 2012 and became. A patron for Bipolar UK in 2016 he said: “I feel privileged to have been asked to become a patron for Bipolar UK. I was diagnosed as having bipolar four years ago and I am committed to increasing awareness of the illness." Kay Redfield-Jamison Kay Redfield Jamison PHD is a clinical psychologist and writer whose work has centered on bipolar disorder which she was diagnosed with in early adulthood. She is The Daylio Family Professor in Mood Disorders and Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Neil 'Twink' Tinning Neil Tinning is a photographer and musician who has been a patron of Bipolar UK for over 10 years. He is an amazing ambassador for the charity and for individuals affected by bipolar. Ambassadors Leah Charles-King Leah Charles-King has over 30 years’ experience of media and the entertainment industry as a music artist, TV and radio presenter, producer, live host and public speaking. She is also the founder and public speaking coach at The Red Carpet Academy which teaches on-camera skills to spokespeople and influencers. Leah recently launched her own platform presenting and producing content on Mental health and well-being to normalise the conversation and end the stigma around mental illness. She’s since been featured on many podcasts and interviews openly discussing her mental health journey. April Kelley Founder of Mini Productions, April is an award-winning actress and producer who has carved out her career pioneering female talent as well as shining a light and giving a voice to bisexuality and bipolar. After years of misdiagnosis and being prescribed the wrong medication, April was 27 years old before she was diagnosed with having bipolar disorder. The actress said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Bipolar UK family, a charity that does so much good for those, like myself, who live with the condition as well as their loved ones. As an ambassador/advocate for the charity I’m excited to be working with them on growing their existing peer support approach and the difference they make to people’s lives. My hope is to not only reassure you that you’re not alone but to shine a light candidly on all aspects of living with this superpower...Let’s do this!" Natasha Naomi Rea We are delighted to welcome on board our newest Ambassador, actress and author Natasha Naomi Rea. Natasha launched her debut book 'Me, Myself and Bipolar Brenda (The Journals of a Happy Soul With A Chaotic Mind.)' in 2020 and is the ambassador for the #SpeakOutLikeBrenda campaign which encourages people to speak their truth about mental health and living with bipolar. Diagnosed with type 2 bipolar, she speaks from the heart about the ups and downs of life with bipolar and we are excited to have her on board. "Regardless of what you go through always grab hold of anything that brings you a little bit of light. Turn the madness into magic and be proud of who you are, warts and all." Friends Stephen Fry Stephen Fry has experienced mental health problems for much of his life. But it wasn't until he was 37 that he was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. "I'd never heard the word before, but for the first time I had a diagnosis that explains the massive highs and miserable lows I've lived with all my life." President of Mind, we are proud to call him a friend of Bipolar UK.