Rotary’s national partnership with Bipolar UK is renewed for a third year
story by: PETER MCLOUGHLIN AND JAMES BOLTON
Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland and Bipolar UK are delighted to be renewing their national partnership for a third year, continuing an inspiring collaboration that began in September 2022.
Together, we are committed to raising awareness about bipolar, a severe mental health condition that affects 1 in 50 people, and offering lifesaving support to individuals and families impacted by it.
Bipolar can be a deeply isolating experience, with 56% of those affected remaining undiagnosed and the average time to diagnosis being 9.5 years. Without timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, people are at heightened risk of severe episodes that can lead to the loss of relationships, employment, homes, and even lives.
Alarmingly, people with bipolar are 20 times more likely to take their own lives. The need for awareness, education, and support is undeniable, and this partnership aims to bridge those gaps.
“I SEE PEOPLE TALKING MORE FREELY ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH WITHIN ROTARY THAN THEY’VE EVER DONE BEFORE.”
While disease prevention and treatment has been one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus for decades, recent years have seen greater attention paid to mental health, in part due to an initiative from past Rotary International President, and Bipolar UK Ambassador, Gordon McInally, who called on all clubs to prioritise mental health during his tenure and beyond.
Speaking to the Mental Health Initiatives Rotary Action Group, Gordon said: “In terms of breaking the stigma [of mental health], I think we’ve made huge strides. I see people talking more freely about their mental health within Rotary than they’ve ever done before.”
Throughout the last two years, Bipolar UK staff, ambassadors, and volunteers have worked alongside Rotary GB&I members at national, district and club level to introduce practical projects and engage in positive conversations around bipolar, and mental health more broadly.
“A STAND OUT ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP HAS BEEN THE LAUNCH OF THE ROTARY BIPOLAR ECLUB, A CAUSE-BASED CLUB FOR ANYONE AFFECTED BY OR INTERESTED IN BIPOLAR.”
In 2024 alone, more than 30 Rotary clubs across the UK organised activities for World Bipolar Day, held annually on 30th March. Rotary members participated in walks, organised events, and set up information stalls in shopping centres, libraries, and mental health centres to raise awareness of bipolar in their communities.
One of the standout achievements of this partnership has been the launch of the Rotary Bipolar eClub, a cause-based club for anyone affected by or interested in bipolar, open to members worldwide.
This initiative is creating a terrific cross-over between Bipolar UK’s and Rotary GB&I’s network, uniting people in their mission to provide hope and improve outcomes for people living with bipolar.
As the partnership enters its third year, there are more ways than ever for Rotary clubs to get involved and make a meaningful impact. Here’s how you can help:
1. Organise an activity for World Bipolar Day (30th March) – Whether it’s a walk, an event, or an awareness-raising stall, your club can play a crucial role in educating your local community.
2. Take Bipolar UK’s free eLearning course to better understand the condition and how to support those affected.
3. Signpost to Bipolar UK’s free peer support services by distributing leaflets in your community, including GP practices, hospitals, colleges, and public noticeboards.
4. Visit the Mental Health Initiatives Rotary Action Group website to browse their project toolkits, to expand your club’s involvement with mental health-related activities in addition to the Rotary GB&I Bipolar UK partnership.
This partnership is about more than just raising awareness – it’s about changing lives. Bipolar UK ambassador and world-renowned songwriter Nicky Chinn (famous for international hits like ‘Mickey’ and ‘Tiger Feet’) shares his personal story of living with bipolar and how the partnership between Rotary and Bipolar UK is making a difference. His powerful message highlights the importance of support and understanding for those living with the condition.
Please share Nicky’s short video message at your club meetings and events to improve understanding of bipolar amongst fellow Rotary members.
We invite all Rotary clubs to join us in making a difference. Together, we can help reduce stigma, raise awareness, and ensure that many more people affected by bipolar get timely support that could be life-changing if not life-saving.
To learn more or get involved, including how you can support World Bipolar Day, visit bipolaruk.org/rotary or contact us at rotary@bipolaruk.org.
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY EVENTS
This World Mental Health Day (10th October), there are two events for you to get involved in:
Rotary GB&I are hosting an online event called ‘Caring Together: Health and Wellbeing’. The event will showcase some of the multitude of Rotary’s efforts and opportunities to improve health and wellness, including caring about ourselves and each other.
It will include initiatives supporting mental health, disability sports and creating caring and inclusive spaces for all. There will be breakout sessions and a Q&A session with the panellists.
Date: Thursday 10th October
Time: 6pm
Bipolar UK and Rotary Bipolar eClub are collaborating to bring you a fascinating interview between Nicky and former Dire Straits manager, Ed Bicknell.
Nicky shares how bipolar shaped his career while Ed brings a unique insight as one of Nicky’s greatest friends in the music industry. Together they chat about the highs and lows, the prevalence of bipolar in the music industry, and the importance of friendship in supporting someone with bipolar. Please join us if you can.
Date: Thursday 10th October
Time: 12pm
FOLLOW US
