Management Team

Simon Kitchen - Chief Executive

Simon has been CEO of Bipolar UK since April 2018. His previous roles include leading one of the largest co-production initiatives in adult social care at Leonard Cheshire Disability and running the social action movement at the Dementia Action Alliance. He has also held a number of policy and research roles in Whitehall and in the regions. He is passionate about peer support and giving people with bipolar greater choice and control over their lives. He has a family connection to bipolar.

Rosie Phillips - Deputy CEO

Rosie joined Bipolar UK in 2017 managing our Information and Support Line and latterly overseeing integration of our Peer Support Services. Her previous experience allows her to bring a wealth of experience working with people across a range of sectors including homelessness and youth. 

Peer Support Services

Parisa - Senior Peer Support Officer, Support Groups

Parisa joined the Bipolar UK team in 2018, starting off as a Peer Support Admin Assistant before transitioning into an Officer and now her current role. Parisa’s background is diverse having previously worked in both primary and secondary mental health services, most notably Bromley & Lewisham Mind’s IAPT service and Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust on a psychiatric ward. Her connection to bipolar has been through work and she has lived experience of a mental health diagnosis.

Molly - Senior Peer Support Officer, Digital Services

Molly joined the Bipolar UK team as a Peer Support Line volunteer in 2018, progressing to a full-time employee soon after the end of the volunteering period and transitioning into a senior role in 2021. Molly has an academic background in psychology, with experience in both statutory and third-sector mental health care.

Anna - Peer Support Officer

Anna joined Bipolar UK in 2019 as a Peer Support Volunteer. She then worked as a Project Lead Administrator and organised the in person conference in November that year. Anna currently works in Peer Support, focusing on Support Groups, as well as providing project management support for the Bipolar Commission and organising in-person and virtual events. Previously Anna worked in events and communications at the London School of Economics.

Lucy - Peer Support Officer

Helen - Peer Support Officer

Ellie - Peer Support Officer

Orla - Peer Support Officer

Saamia - Peer Support Assistant

Fundraising and Partnerships

Lorna - Strategic Partnership Manager

Lorna has been with Bipolar UK since January 2021 and is responsible for building partnerships and fundraising within the corporate and major gift sectors. Lorna recently project-managed a complex eco-renovation of an “at risk” cottage dating back to the early 1500s. She also worked as a National Events Manager for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life team in the Southwest with an annual fundraising target of just under £10 million. Lorna has a connection to bipolar through family and friends.

Camilla – Partnerships Development Manager 

Camilla joined Bipolar UK in December 2021 as partnership development manager, having previously worked as senior partnership officer for eating disorder charity Beat. Camilla has also been a facilitator for the Camden Bipolar Support groups and has been an integral volunteer for the charity. She has built up a strong support network in her local area and has provided the community with a reliable and safe space for over three years.

Odhran – Senior Trust Fundraiser

Before joining Bipolar UK in 2017, Odhran has over 20 years’ experience in trust, statutory, corporate and general fundraising. Among the organisations he has worked for are BLISS, ChildLine, NAHCF and Gorilla Organisation.  In his spare time Odhran is an enthusiastic guitarist and loyal Fulham Football Club fan. 

Kayleigh - Senior Partnership Officer

Kayleigh joined Bipolar UK in November 2021 and works within the fundraising team; securing corporate partnerships, maintaining key relationships and handling major gift donations. She has over 3 years’ experience in securing corporate partnerships within the private events sector, and an academic background in psychology and neuroscience.

Communications

Sarah - Policy and Communications Manager 

Sarah has a background in health journalism and, alongside her cousin Amanda Saunders, is co-author of 'Bipolar Disorder - The Ultimate Guide' (Oneworld Publications). Several members of Sarah's family had/have bipolar, including her late grandfather, father and aunt, and her sister and oldest son. 

Michael - Senior Communications Lead

Michael joined Bipolar UK as a Fundraising Officer in 2018, after 4 years in telephone fundraising where he raised £1.2 million for a variety of high-profile charities. These included PLAN International, Oxfam and SCOPE.  Prior to that Michael spent over 20 years in middle management roles in and around central government.  Working primarily in the field of communications with senior civil servants and Members of Parliament, he uses those skills acquired in his current role.

Finance and Administration

Steve – Senior Data & CRM Officer

Steve joined Bipolar UK in 2021 as Senior Data & CRM Officer. Steve has over 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, implementing IT systems, Salesforce CRM and other digital products.

Michael - Finance Manager

Robby - Data Entry/Finance Assistant