Bipolar Illness is mood disorder where individuals can experience fluctuations in mood, including episodes of significant depression, much more severe than most people will ever experience. It is known to be partly genetic, and often begins to reveal itself in late teens and early adult life. It can be treated, with better medications becoming available over recent years. 

However there is still a long way to go to understand this condition and develop more effective treatments. Even with treatment and support, individuals with this condition can still find themselves experiencing episodes where some brain systems malfunction, often with their mood dropping precipitously as a consequence. Such changes can sometimes occur for no reason, or can be triggered by sleep deprivation or stress. Social withdrawal, as we all experienced to some extent during the covid crisis, often makes things worse.

Bipolar UK provides a comprehensive peer support service for people affected by bipolar and advocates to change public attitudes and build a society that enables people affected by bipolar to live well and fulfil their potential.

Our late friend Chris Morrison was a very caring man. A gifted teacher and talented sportsman he will be remembered for being a really good bloke. He loved his community, the environment and above all his family. He was utterly devoted to his wonderful wife and two amazing daughters, whom he loved so very much and would do anything for.

Despite his own battle with mood problems Chris did so much to support and advocate for vulnerable individuals. We hope he would approve of this choice of charity to honour his memory.