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.  Bringing a wealth of experience working with people across a range of sectors including homelessness and youth. 

Odhran Mac Sheoinin – 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.

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.

Lorna Morgan-Glanfield - Senior Partnership Officer

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.

Itunu Ajeigbe - Senior Finance Officer

Itunu joined Bipolar UK in March 2020 as the Senior Finance Officer. Itunu brings with her over ten years' experience of work in finance in government and not-for-profit organisations. Her skills range from day-to-day management of finances to end of year annual reports, budgeting, financial reporting and monitoring as well as filing accounts with HMRC. Itunu is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Parisa Fard - Senior Peer Support Officer

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.

Press Office

Sarah Owen

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. 

Finance and Administration

Conor - Fundraising and Data Officer

Michael - Finance Manager

Robby - Data Entry/Finance Assistant

Peer Support Services

Anna - Peer Support Officer

Lucy - Peer Support Officer

Molly - Peer Support Officer

Helen- Peer Support Officer

Rebecca - Peer Support Officer

Saamia - Peer Support Assistant