How we help What we do What We Do Since our formation in the early 1980's, we've had a proud tradition of supporting everyone affected by bipolar In 1982, Sheila Woodland from Wimbledon, London, placed an advert in The Guardian seeking responses from people directly affected by manic depression (as bipolar was then known). Soon after, Philomena Germing from Barnes, London, placed similar adverts in The Times, The Daily Telegraph and The Observer. When the two women found out about each other, they decided to join forces. The 180 respondents were contacted individually to suggest that they met to form a society. The first meeting was held in January 1983 at Church House, Westminster Cathedral, and was attended by 43 people. Among the views shared, a number of common concerns were raised: GPs and psychiatrists were evasive about the illness. Conflicting advice was being offered by legal and medical professionals. A major debate about whether manic depression is inherited or not. A report of the meeting included the following appeal: "We should work to dispel the stigma, secrecy and widespread ignorance of manic depression. Manic depressives should be more open about the condition and still find suitable jobs". The Manic Depression Fellowship In May 1983 the first newsletter was sent out, focusing on the need for local self-help groups and the need for funding support. It was proposed that interested individuals could pay an annual subscription of £5. This is where our direct service provision began. Support groups remain central to our work, and we now run over 120 groups across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Since starting work in 1983, we have focused on direct service provision and meeting the needs of individuals affected by bipolar. As a small charity we have seen first-hand how dramatically demand for services has increased. Becoming Bipolar UK In 2011, we publicly consulted on key strategic planning issues. The phenomenal response led to the development of a new five-year strategy and a new charity name – Bipolar UK. Alongside our service delivery work, we have also raised public awareness and understanding of bipolar and its effects. Two notable successes have been working closely with Stephen Fry on the making of the documentary A Secret Life of a Manic Depressive and being an adviser to EastEnders in the bipolar story of Stacey and her mother Jean. The future of Bipolar UK In the years ahead, providing support services remain central to everything we do. We will continue to improve services and we are planning to expand our youth services and link mentoring across the UK. Our 2011 consultation clearly showed the need for us to increase our communications work and act as a voice for individuals affected by bipolar. We are currently investing in this. Bipolar UK remains committed to being your innovative, sustainable national bipolar charity.