BAND

30/03/2026

World Bipolar Day 2026

At BAND, we recognise the impact bipolar disorder can have on individuals, families, and communities. Raising awareness is key to reducing stigma and improving understanding of this complex condition.

Bipolar disorder affects mood, energy, and day-to-day functioning. With the right support, treatment, and community, people living with bipolar can and do lead meaningful lives.

We encourage open conversations, early support, and access to trusted mental health services for anyone affected.

You are not alone. Support is available. Please follow the link for more helpful information:

https://www.bipolaruk.org/get-involved/world-bipolar-day/

28/03/2026

Our wonderful service users made a delicious carrot and coriander soup during our Lifeskills sessions last week 🥕🍲

We also had some meaningful discussions about how we overcome setbacks, and enjoyed a game of self-care bingo. We talked about how important it is to reward ourselves with acts of self-care after doing something challenging 💚

A great mix of learning, reflection, and fun!

26/03/2026

🚨 Join Our SUMMIT Panel! 🚨

📅 Date: Thursday 9th April
🕐 Time: 1pm - 3pm
📍 Location: BAND, YMCA Building

We are inviting service users who attend our groups and those who work with our outreach team to join us for an important opportunity to have your voice heard.

The SUMMIT panel will allow you to represent yourself and other service users, helping to ensure our service is truly representative of your needs.

Your input is crucial to shaping a service that works for you. We’re here to meet your needs and make sure your experiences guide the direction of our support.

Come along, share your thoughts, and help us improve the service for everyone! ✨

We look forward to seeing you there!

24/03/2026

Bolton Carers Support thankyou for the minestrone soup recipe 😋.

The service users in our Lifeskills session today really enjoyed making it and the best part was getting to enjoy eating it!

24/03/2026

✨ Women’s wellness group ✨

We had a relaxing and creative morning last week enjoying beautiful henna (mehndi) designs. Some women chose full hand mehndi in preparation for Eid ul-Fitr, while others preferred smaller, delicate patterns each one unique and special.

It was lovely to share meaningful conversations about what Ramadan means and how Eid is celebrated, all in such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We also enjoyed some tasty Bombay mix together.

A huge thank you to Iqra, a social work student, for sharing her amazing mehndi talent with us at the BAND women’s wellness group. Your artistry made the day extra special 💕

We’re also very grateful to Maureen for the delicious Easter mini egg cakes 🧁

A truly lovely day of creativity, connection, and shared celebration 💚

23/03/2026

Make Monday’s magic with BAND 🎲

It seems everyone caught the domino bug last week, with domino games happening all around the table. Our staff members Stacey and Kelly joined in the action too. Stacey was feeling very competitive, and Kelly even managed to win a game! 👏

However, the title of Domino King still belongs to Stephen… still unbeaten and holding onto his crown 👑

22/03/2026

21/03/2026

⚽🧠 Neurodiversity Celebration Week!

This year’s theme is Action! And Bolton FC puts this into practice by creating football sessions that support mental wellbeing as well as being inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of neurodiverse members.

Different minds bring different strengths and that’s what makes our team stronger. 💚

19/03/2026

Neurodiversity Celebration Week!

Here’s another powerful perspective from one of our neurodivergent service users 💚

Every shared experience helps us learn, reflect, and strengthen the way we deliver support. Co-production and lived experience are at the heart of everything we do at BAND.

Together, we continue to shape a service that truly works for the people who use it.

18/03/2026

Neurodiversity Celebration Week!

Our Women's group celebrated by exploring the theme - Different Minds, Different Strengths.”🧠✨

Together we created our own brain maps, reflecting on how our minds work and what makes each of us unique. We shared our strengths, interests, the things we’re proud of, and the “superpowers” that come from thinking differently.

We also talked about the supports and strategies that help our minds thrive. It was a really positive space to celebrate our differences, recognise our strengths, and remind ourselves that there is no one “right” way for a mind to work.

Different minds really do bring different strengths 💚

17/03/2026

Neurodiversity celebration week!

We’re proud to share this video from one of our neurodivergent service users, speaking about their experience with BAND 💚

Lived experience matters. It shapes how we grow, improve, and co-produce our service alongside the people who use it.

At BAND, we don’t just listen. We work together to create support that truly meets people’s needs.

16/03/2026

It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week and this year’s theme is Action! 💚

At BAND, action means ensuring neurodivergent people can access the right mental health support in a way that works for them. We create inclusive spaces, adapt how we communicate, and deliver person-centred support that recognises individual strengths and needs.

Because action isn’t just about awareness it’s about removing barriers and making support accessible for everyone.

Keep an eye out for futher celebration posts this week featuring some of our wonderful service users!