My Mind And Me: BBC Radio 1, Radio 1Xtra and Asian Network shine a spotlight on youth Mental Health in 2017

The aim is to get young people talking about Mental Health; to reduce the stigma around mental illness and to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues that affect young people.

Young people will be at the heart of My Mind And Me, which is why Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network have partnered up with NCS, (National Citizen Service) the UK’s flagship youth empowerment programme for 16-17 year olds, to create a group of Social Action Champions.

This group of young people from across the UK will work with the stations to help shape the campaign throughout the year, offering their insights, stories and experiences, and leading discussions on the key issues around mental health.

Throughout 2017 on Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network, My Mind And Me will offer a platform for listeners to discuss their own experiences, and will give guidance and support covering all areas of mental well-being, from dealing with stress and pressure around exams to self-esteem, confidence and body image, to anxiety and depression.

My Mind And Me is part of Radio 1 and 1Xtra’s commitment to tackling the big issues facing young people in the UK and will form a major part of the station’s social action activity in 2017.

The campaign follows on from Radio 1’s work in shining a spotlight on youth Mental Health in October 2016, when a mental health category was added to Radio 1 Teen Awards - the station’s annual celebration honouring inspirational Teen Heroes. Radio 1 DJs and Radio 1 Teen Heroes of 2016 - who went above and beyond what is expected of them to help others - were invited to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their Kensington Palace home, where they were praised for their inspirational work and being crowned Teen Heroes of 2016 in categories which include those focused on mental health and volunteering.

Radio 1, 1Xtra, Asian Network documentaries and talks
Across BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra Stories, BBC iPlayer specials, BBC Radio 1Xtra talks, and a series of Newsbeat reports and documentaries next year - including an ambitious year-long project following a group of young people and their mental health journeys. The campaign will invite listeners to join the conversation and share their own personal stories.

Asian Network will be following on from last year’s MIND Media Award-winning documentary Bigorexia with more Asian Network Investigates specials, and will host a range of discussions across 2017.

Radio 1’s Surgery - 12 x specials focusing on different aspects of Mental Health
Every month in 2017 Radio 1’s Surgery, presented by Gemma Cairney and Dr Radha, will be an hour-long special show focusing on different aspects of Mental Health: from challenging perceptions around mental health to exploring topics ranging from the benefits of exercise on mental well-being, to eating disorders and self-harm.

Kicking off the series on Wednesday 11 January (9pm-10pm), a round table which includes Olly Alexander from Years And Years will ask whether mental health is taken seriously enough and why it is such an important issue for teenagers. Support and advice around mental health will also be made available via the BBC Advice pages throughout the year.

Ben Cooper, Controller, Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network, says: “From Prime Ministers to our young listeners, we all recognise the need to change attitudes to mental health and I’m looking forward to the BBC’s youth radio stations being a force for good around this issue in the UK.”

Radio 1’s Greg James says: “As well as what we're traditionally known for, I think it's incredibly important that Radio 1 also uses its platform to talk about more serious issues that affect our listeners, like mental health for example. I'm proud to work for a station that isn't scared to do something different and it's great that our listeners trust us to deal with a variety of issues without patronising them. I'm excited to be part of My Mind And Me.”

Olly Alexander says: “Our mental health is very important. I’m happy that Radio 1 and 1Xtra are shining a light on these issues that affect all of us. We all deserve good mental health and encouraging people to share their experiences is a good place to start.”

NCS graduate Bryony, 17, says: “It’s brilliant that Radio 1 and 1Xtra are giving listeners a platform to share their stories, as even with increasing awareness, people sadly still don't really understand how mental health might affect people's lives. I have experienced mental health [issues] within my family, with depression, and I have experienced anxiety myself after the divorce of my parents at the age of 14. I have fought it since, training myself to stretch out of my comfort zone and control my anxiety levels by tricking my own mind, but that takes a lot of will power and self-discipline.”

NCS graduate Blessing, 17, says: “Living with my mum, who suffers from severe depression and anxiety, showed me how important support systems are for people who are struggling with mental health. This lesson became more important for me last year when I began to suffer from my own problems with mental health challenges. Being a previously independent person, it was difficult at first to ask for help when I was feeling helpless and lost, but voicing my struggles to my family meant I began to get the help I needed. People are unaware with how to deal with mental health and I’m determined for that to change. It’s great that Radio 1 and 1Xtra will be giving advice and support for young people who need it.”

CS

Related Media Centre Links

• BBC to host a season of films on mental health, across TV, Radio and Online