Meet Bournemouth & Poole Bipolar Self-Help Group, Our Latest Community Heroes in the Spotlight

Bournemouth and Poole Bipolar Self-Help group meet each month in Canford Cliffs. Partners and carers of people with Bipolar Disorder are all welcome to attend, share experiences and support each other. The NHS definition of Bipolar Disorder is ‘a mental health condition where you have extreme mood changes. Medicines and talking therapy can help manage it.’

The group is self-supporting and relies on grants and donations to run. Hazel, group facilitator, says, ‘CAN has been very helpful in directing us towards securing some of these finances.’ Bournemouth and Poole Bipolar Self-Help Group has been running for over 20 years and is well supported by 10 to 20 members each month. New members are always welcome to meetings.

Hazel says: ‘At these meetings there are often new members who have never met (or recognised) other people with the disorder and so feel quite relieved to be among ‘their own’. This is sometimes an emotional experience. People can speak openly and confidentially about their feelings and experiences.’

The group meets at 6.45 pm on the first Wednesday of every month at Canford Cliffs Village Hall, and is free to join with a collecting tin for anyone able to contribute towards refreshments or the running of the group. During the year, there are walks, speakers and other events available for group members to attend.

bournemouthandpoolebipolarselfhelpgroup.co.uk

E: info@bournemouthandpoolebipolarselfhelpgroup.co.uk