BFS - Bipolar Fellowship Scotland

Studio 1015
Mile End Mill
Abbey Mill Business Centre
Seedhill Road
Paisley
PA1 1TJ

Tel:: 0141 560 2050
Web: www.bipolarscotland.org.uk

The Bipolar Fellowship Scotland has the following aims.

• To provide information, support and advice for people with bipolar affective disorder/manic depression, their relatives, friends and carers, and all who care.
• To promote, develop and co-ordinate a network of community-based self-help groups throughout Scotland.
• To inform and educate members of the public, professionals and other agencies about the nature of the illness and the role and value of the Fellowship.
• To encourage and assist in research into all aspects of bipolar disorder/manic depression.

Contact the above address for membership information and details of local self-help groups. The Fellowship offers the following services:

• Self help groups are open to those with bipolar affective disorder/manic depression, their friends, relatives and carers. A group can offer support, information, understanding and friendship, a place to share experiences and realise individuals are not alone in what can often be a bewildering situation. No appointment or referral is needed, just turn up and learn from people who understand, in a supportive environment.
• Publications: leaflets, books, audio and video tapes covering all aspects of bipolar disorder/manic depression and general mental illness are available. The Fellowship's own publications include: Guide to Self Management . Other titles available for a small cost include: Manic Depressive Disorder; Drug Treatment of Manic Depression; Why did my world have to change? (guide for teenagers coping with a parent who has MD); ECT Your questions answered; A Balancing Act (for carers). Contact the Fellowship for a full publication list with details of costs. Publications can now be purchased direct from their website.
• Practical help: where a direct service cannot be provided, the Fellowship can give information on other agencies who can help. These include counselling services, crisis helplines, patients' rights and legal advice. The Fellowship tries to ensure that if it cannot help, a contact will be provided who can.
• Self Management Training - an intensive course over a long weekend teaching individuals to take control of their condition.