Balance.org.nz
Title
Balance NZ Bipolar and Depression Network
Description
1. Mission
The mission of BALANCE is to provide support, education and advocacy to anyone affected by bipolar disorder (manic depression) in New Zealand. BALANCE does this by encouraging and fostering links between bipolar support groups; by promoting training with an emphasis on recovery principles; and by supporting further research on bipolar disorder in New Zealand.
2. History
Balance New Zealand Bipolar Network was founded in 1996, with Michael Wiltshire organising and convening the inaugural conference of representatives from around New Zealand.
The first national hui was held in the Stella Maris Centre, Seatoun, Wellington. Conferences have been held on an annual basis since then at Quakers Acres, Wanganui. The most recent hui took place in September 2002 with over 40 representatives from different bipolar support groups and organisations from Auckland to Invercargill present.
