Bipolar UK, formerly MDF The Bipolar Organization, was established in 1983 (as the Manic Depression Fellowship)[1] to enable people affected by bipolar disorder to take control of their lives.[2] It is the only national charity that specializes in supporting bipolar disorder[3] and is one of the largest user-led organizations in the mental health sector in the UK.[4]

Bipolar UK
Founded1983
HeadquartersLondon
Area served
England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The charity is based in London, Charity Number 293340, with a staff of 14 people and 200 volunteers across the United Kingdom.[5][6]

MDF The Bipolar Organization was formed by Sheila Woodland and Philomena Germing in 1983, along with 41 other individuals. The society's first meeting was in January 1983 in Westminster Cathedral.[7] In 2011 the organization changed its name from MDF to Bipolar UK.[8] The group was formed to support those affected by bipolar, including those with a formal diagnosis, their families, and friends. As of 2022, the organization runs 85 support groups across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.[9]

The Charity's day-to-day activities are led by CEO Simon Kitchen [10] and Deputy CEO Rosie Phillips.[11] Overseeing the running of the charitable entity is 13 member Board of Trustees[12]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Bipolar UK marks 30 years with new publication". Mental Health Today. 8 October 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  2. ^ McBain, Sophie (18 August 2021). "Nicky Chinn: "I've been fighting, one way or another, all my life"". The New Statesman. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  3. ^ ""I'm not going to allow bipolar to destroy me"". WalesOnline. 12 September 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  4. ^ "A Place in the Sun host 'hid' bipolar diagnosis: 'Afraid no one would work with me'". Express. 19 October 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  5. ^ Weston, Anneka (27 May 2015). "Volunteering with Bipolar UK". Mind and Soul Foundation. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  6. ^ "Bipolar UK LTD". Charity Commission for England and Wales. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  7. ^ Keegan, Victor (14 June 2021). "Sheila Woodland obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  8. ^ "Change company name resolution on 2011-07-01". gov.uk. 16 August 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  9. ^ "our story". Bipolar UK. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  10. ^ Kitchen, Simon (7 November 2020). "How to support someone living with bipolar during lockdown". GQ. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  11. ^ "staff". Bipolar UK. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  12. ^ "Trustees". Charity Commission for England and Wales. Retrieved 12 March 2022.