This CPD-accredited awareness course helps care workers, support workers, nurses and team leaders understand bipolar disorder and provide safe, respectful support in day-to-day care. Learners will explore how bipolar affects mood, energy and behaviour, how to spot early warning signs of deterioration, and when and how to record and escalate concerns to prevent crisis and promote stability.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Describe what bipolar disorder is and identify key symptoms.
- Explain the main types of bipolar and how mood episodes can present over time.
- Recognise early signs of low mood, hypomania, mania, mixed states and possible psychosis.
- Use calm, person-centred communication approaches that reduce distress and support safety.
- Reduce triggers and support protective routines (sleep, structure, low stimulation, supportive plans).
- Record factual observations clearly and escalate concerns appropriately, including urgent action where there is immediate risk.
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Overview
This online training course has been designed specifically for Care and Support Workers working in a social care setting. It may also be useful to a wider audience of people who would like to know more about Caring for People with Bipolar Disorder.
- What bipolar disorder is and why diagnosis can take time
- The main types of bipolar (Type I, Type II, cyclothymia)
- Understanding mood states and how they affect daily life, relationships and safety
- Recognising and responding to mood changes, including mixed states and potential psychosis
- Proportionate risk management, boundaries and safer decision making
- Calm communication techniques under pressure, including de-escalation approaches
- Staying well in everyday care: protective factors, triggers, routines and relapse plans
- When to escalate, who to inform, and what to document for effective handover
- Short narrated video scenarios, interactive activities and knowledge checks
- Final knowledge check and CPD certificate (pass mark 80%)
Approx. 30 to 45 minutes, including interactive tasks, video scenarios and knowledge checks.
This course supports:
- Dignity, respect, person-centred care and reasonable adjustments in mental health support
- Safer care through early recognition of deterioration and timely escalation
- Accurate record keeping and clear handover to senior staff and clinical teams
- Safe, calm communication and proportionate risk management in care settings
- Induction or refresher training for care homes, home care and supported living services
Safety note: If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, call 999 and follow your organisation’s safeguarding and escalation procedures.
Hugh Asher, BSc (Hons), MSc (Merit), PhD (Applied Social Science)
As a course consultant, Hugh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. His extensive background in working with individuals with diverse needs, combined with his passion for utilising nature as a therapeutic tool, allows him to provide valuable insights and guidance to learners.
Participants in the courses “Caring for People with Autism”, “Supporting People with Learning Disabilities”, “Mental Health Awareness” and “Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities” can expect to gain valuable skills and understanding in providing effective care and support.
