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Self-Management Training
Our latest online Self-Management Training course starts on Tuesday 18 June and there are still some spaces left! We’ve moved the time to an evening slot - the course will now run from 6.30-8.30pm on Tuesdays: 18th and 25th June, 2nd and 9th July. The course can be done from your own home and are completely free to Bipolar Scotland members.
Working with our friendly, experienced facilitators, you can explore what bipolar means for you, learn new selfmanagement tools and strategies, begin to identify your triggers and learn to feel better able to plan for the future and take back control of your life. Don’t just take our word for it, though! Here are some thoughts from recent SMT participants:
Looking for men and shift workers!
The Circadian Mental Health Network and the James Lind Alliance are particularly interested in hearing from men and/ or shift workers who live with bipolar in their short survey about how your body clock impacts your mental health. This short survey will help shape the future direction of their research. You can find the survey at: https://www. circadianmentalhealth.org/ haveyoursay
“I learned a lot about myself on the course and have a couple of things to work on, but it was well overdue and I’m very hopeful that my life will improve as a result.”
“I am very pleased with the selfmanagement course: it has left me feeling like I have the tools to create the kind of life I want. Kerry and Hazel were so lovely as facilitators and were very knowledgeable and understanding…I also think the training has given me a greater awareness of the importance of having plans in place for if I ever do become unwell, so that I have as much control over my life as possible.”
To book a place on the upcoming course please email: training@bipolarscotland.org.uk before 4.30pm on Friday 14th June.
BOSS Study: call for participants
Researchers at the University of Glasgow are looking for participants to take part in a study looking at the selfmanagement support needs and care experience of people living with and affected by bipolar. Participants should be over 18 and either have a diagnosis of bipolar or care for someone who does. Participation will involve either a one-on-one interview or a focus group session (participant’s choice), and these can be conducted either online or in person. Participants will receive a gift token and all travel will be reimbursed.
This study is the first stage in a larger project to develop self-management resources for people living with or affected by bipolar. It’s a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, Bipolar Scotland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
To take part, please contact Dr Jamie Kirk on 0141 451 0885 or Professor Andrew Gumley on 0141 330 4852
Student Placement
Lewis Wilson, who studies Access to Health And Social Care at Glasgow Kelvin College, has been working with Bipolar Scotland on a self-arranged placement with us for the past few months. At the end of his placement he wrote this short report on the organisation which we’re delighted to be able to share with you:
“I have had the honour of being Bipolar Scotland’s first student placement allocation over the last ten weeks. Throughout the few months I’ve been here I have had a chance to observe and participate in all of the pivotal work this charity does to support individuals across Scotland living with bipolar. I now have a deeper understanding of the financial aspect of running a charity and how competitive it can be to attempt to fundraise operations. I now understand the incredible work this charity does with the help of volunteers, providing services like self-management training and peer support.
During my time at Bipolar Scotland, I have learned that the whole charity is like a well-oiled machine: if everyone is functioning then everyone works at their best. I have learned through my observation of multiple support groups just how important the volunteers at Bipolar Scotland are and they’re integral to the survival and the flourishing of the charity.
Because of this enlightening experience that Jayne and her team have provided me with I will always remember Bipolar Scotland as being one of the turning points in my education. Thanks to this process I have never been surer that my calling in life is to help people. I have witnessed the very best of humanity, I have seen tears shed and the unwavering support shown in response, and I have seen the overwhelming sense of joy and community that can be at your disposal. I have been inspired by everyone at Bipolar Scotland’s attitudes, these are the people who have big dreams for the charity, but big dreams I have no doubt they will reach because these are the kind of people who will not stop working tirelessly to provide a safe space for as many people as possible.”
