MDF The BiPolar Organisation
Bipolar UK, formerly MDF The Bipolar Organisation was established in 1983 (as the Manic Depression Fellowship) to enable people affected by bipolar disorder to take control of their lives. It is unique in being the only national charity specialising in support for bipolar disorder and is one of the largest user-led organisations in the mental health sector in the UK.
The charity is based in London, with a staff of 12 people and volunteers across the country.
Its services are based on a peer support model with people affected by bipolar helping others, sharing experience and providing support. The services are:
- eCommunity - an online forum
- Support Groups - open to all affected by bipolar
- Peer Support Line - a phone and email service
- Employment Service - online support
The Bipolar UK website provides information and downloadable resources to help people living with bipolar self-manage their condition and hosts online events on social media and elsewhere to build and support its community.
Pendulum: our blog has articles covering various topics of the bipolar experience:
- What is bipolar?
- Pre-diagnosis and newly diagnosed
- Medication and treatment
- Self-management
the blog also focusses on particular groups of people affected by bipolar:
- Bipolar in children and young people
- Family, carers and friends
- Pregnancy and parenting
- Experience of Black and Asian people
Bipolar UK has links with various academic groups that research the causes and treatments for bipolar disorder. They include
King's College London, Centre for Affective Disorders
Lancaster University, Spectrum Centre
.