About Our Group
The Lothian Bipolar Group is a self-help group for those affected with Bipolar Disorder including carers, family and friends.
The group is currently facilitated by two of our members, including Michelle [1]- each of whom have their own lived experience of Bipolar
We are all volunteers - we have no funds of our own. We do however benefit from support from the staff of Bipolar Scotland based in Paisley.
Our main focus is our free monthly meetings in Edinburgh - for more full details of where we meet, when, and the range of topics our guest speakers cover see our Meetings webpage. We have agreed a simple set of guidelines for our meetings - see our comfort agreement
We are also keen to arrange informal social events, listed below are our current different type of events.
- local walks
- coffee meet-ups
- films at central cinemas
See Calendar for current schedule, and do get in touch if you would like more information.
Our facilitators maintain an email list to keep everyone up to date - please email us if you would like to be added to this email list. lothianbipolargroup@hotmail.co.uk
Our Comfort Agreement
This comfort agreement captures the rules by which we run our meetings. Suggestions for new rules should be brought up at the next meeting so that they can be agreed upon by all members.
- Confidentiality - what's said here stays here
- Good time management
- Switch mobiles off
- Everyone has a right to talk and be listened to
- Respect others' opinions
- The group will be a calm space for expression
- Everyone will behave in a non-agressive manner
- There's no pressure for anyone to speak during the meeting
- Explain all the jargon you use
- It's okay to take a 'time out'
Group Agreement with Bipolar Scotland
At our monthly meeting on Feb. 3rd, 2011 we agreed to abide with the Group Agreement developed by Bipolar Scotland. This agreement lays out what our group can expect from Bipolar Scotland, and in return lays out in some detail how we have agreed to operate.
A full copy can be downloaded from our website by clicking on this link: Group Agreement
