BBC announces major pan-BBC Mental Health season
The BBC today announced a major new pan-BBC Mental Health season with content across network and regional television, national and local radio and digital platforms.
Published: 25 April 2019
We know that these programmes really do make a difference.
Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, this season demonstrates the BBC’s ongoing commitment to shining a light on mental health issues and how they affect individuals and society today.
Millions of people are affected by mental illness; it is estimated that one in six people in the past week have experienced a common mental health problem. Many more of us will know someone who has been affected, whether this is a friend, loved one or work colleague. This pan-BBC season will raise awareness, share stories and experiences and provide support and tips on maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.
The BBC is working alongside a wide range of organisations with an interest in mental health including Public Health England, Mental Health Foundation, the Reading Agency and Libraries Connected.
Alison Kirkham, Controller, Factual Commissioning, says: “The BBC has a long commitment to tackling mental health issues. Films such as Stephen Fry on bi-polar disorder or Rio Ferdinand on bereavement helped bring the conversation into the open and resonated with audiences.
"We’re taking our commitment even further this year with a truly pan-BBC season of programmes. Across TV, radio and online, we want to reach a wide and varied audience - whether it be someone who feels otherwise alone facing their challenges; or those who are supporting loved ones; or those of us who want to learn more about maintaining our own wellbeing. We know that these programmes really do make a difference.”
Bob Shennan, BBC Group Managing Director, says: “Public service broadcasting is all about highlighting issues that affect our audience, and looking after our mental health and wellbeing is so important. This season offers a comprehensive range of content around mental health and wellbeing, with people telling their own stories about dealing with mental health issues on TV, on national and local radio and online. We’ll also share and signpost practical advice and coping strategies to help audiences look after their mental health and seek help if they need to, and we’ll be making sure our own staff know about the help which is available to them.”
On television, there will be three personal films - Nadiya: Anxiety And Me for BBC One and for BBC Two, Alastair Campbell: Depression And Me; and David Harewood: Psychosis And Me. On BBC Two, the film Evelyn, from director Orlando von Einsiedel, about his family’s struggle with grief after the suicide of his brother, receives its network premiere.
On BBC One, Holby City will cover various mental health storylines amongst its characters, whilst Casualty will highlight the traumas and day to day struggles that A&E staff and paramedics face, and how these can lead to mental health issues.
With research showing that younger people are particularly susceptible to mental health problems, there is a wide range of digital content for younger audiences from BBC Three, BBC Learning and BBC Sport focused on common mental health challenges as well as social media activity providing practical tips and information.
On BBC Three a new film explores PTSD in young people and the rate of suicide among former and serving members of British armed forces in The War In My Head (w/t) - and later this year, Jesy Nelson, a member of the world’s biggest girl band Little Mix, will explore body image and mental health in a new documentary. Jesy Nelson: My Story (w/t) will look at how growing up in a social media-fuelled age of selfies, body shaming and trolling is having a profound impact on the mental health of young people.
On radio, Newsbeat is launching a new podcast series and there will be a series of Life Hacks with a mental health focus. Radio 2 will feature special programmes from Jeremy Vine, Pause For Thought and Good Morning Sunday; on Radio 4 The Archers will follow the story of Elizabeth’s depression, and Woman’s Hour will feature special interviews throughout the week.
On the Asian Network, Mobeen Azhar will present programmes across the week looking at a range of issues and BBC Local Radio has a host of initiatives across the regions, including debates and talks as well as group activities to try and combat loneliness.
EDA
The BBC has a number of other initiatives to support the wellbeing of people and staff across the country.
The Get Creative Festival, the UK-wide celebration of have-a-go creativity returns and this year launches the Get Creative Feel Good Test, giving participants a ‘feel good formula’ to improve their wellbeing through creative activities.
BBC Children in Need will soon announce the details of a new £10m impact programme dedicated to children’s mental health. Further information will be available from 30 April.
The BBC continues to offer a wide range of mental health and wellbeing services to its staff and programme contributors. Over 900 mental health first aiders across the BBC have been trained to provide support and advice to anyone who needs help with a mental health issue. All staff can access training to help them develop mental health and resilience skills at work, and a range of specialist support services, such as counselling, trauma support and occupational health, are there for those that need them. The BBC’s internal awareness campaign Open Up will run as part of the season, encouraging people to start a conversation about mental health at work, which can encourage people who need help to seek it.
BBC One
Nadiya: Anxiety And Me
Holby City
Holby City has a rich history of tackling issues which impact real lives. We learn that Chloe (Amy Lennox) suffers seriously with her mental health, which she has managed to conceal until now as she struggles to deal with the revelation about Ange (Dawn Steele) and Dom (David Ames). There is an update on Sasha’s (Bob Barrett) mental health, who has been dealing with depression for over a year and has been living with Jac (Rosie Marcel) in recent months. A guest story also explores the phenomenon of horse therapy for anxiety and depression.
Casualty
Casualty currently has several storylines that highlight the traumas and day to day struggles that A&E staff and paramedics face and how these can lead to mental health issues. Head of the emergency department, Connie (Amanda Mealing) is struggling with her anxiety and PTSD dating back to an attack, highlighting the dangers of NOT getting help. Paramedic Iain (Michael Stevenson) has a wobble in his recovery from depression and his suicide attempt, demonstrating that he is making progress but recovery is a journey. With his own history of mental health, ED nurse David (Jason Burr) employs his intuition to detect a mental health issue in a patient; and Consultant Elle (Jaye Griffiths) deals with a patient who has struggled emotionally and mentally since the death of his wife.
BBC One Wales
The Insomniacs
For most people, going to sleep is as easy as walking and breathing. But award-winning documentary-maker Martin Read hasn’t slept properly for over 30 years. For him, three hours is a good night’s sleep.
In this hard hitting but fascinating documentary, Martin Read tracks his own life and that of others with the condition for four months, giving a real insight into what it’s like to be dependent on sleeping tablets and live with chronic insomnia.
BBC Two
Alastair Campbell: Depression And Me
David Harewood: Psychosis And Me
Evelyn
BBC Two presents the network premiere of Evelyn (pictured above), a deeply personal film from the Academy Award-winning team behind Virunga (2014) and The White Helmets (2016). Fourteen years after the suicide of their son and brother, Evelyn, Director Orlando von Einsiedel and his family decide to walk the length of the UK and try to talk about him - something they had failed to do in over a decade. This poetic feature documentary explores the fabric of grief and the longevity of love. Part quest film, part road-trip, part memoir, Evelyn is an exposition of the taboos of mental health and male emotion, and a tribute to our times.
BBC Three
The War In My Head
BBC Scotland
Lumo: Too Young To Die
When 21 year old Calum Barnes - better known as Glasgow rapper Lumo - took his own life, it sent shockwaves through the Scottish hip-hop community. As his family and friends try to make sense of his struggle, they uncover hidden clues in the lyrics and video diaries he left behind, which tell a complex story of identity crisis culminating in suicide. Suicide is the biggest killer of young men in the UK. Devastated by his passing, and determined to make a difference to this sobering statistic, Lumo’s close family and friends take action to raise awareness and become a force for change.
Digital
BBC Body Positive
With one in three young people in the UK struggling with issues like depression, anxiety and negative thoughts, BBC Body Positive has put together a 30 day challenge aimed at under 35s wanting to improve their mental wellness. Based on five pillars of better mental wellness endorsed by Public Health England, the five week challenge is an immersive, innovative, accessible way for anyone who wants a better mental outlook to make immediate change.
Running 6 May to 9 June, each daily challenge is an easy-to-do, interactive tip created by NHS doctor and founder of Fit4Life, Zoe Williams, who will take us through why each pillar or theme is crucial to improving mental health. Activist and influencer Gina Martin (who recently helped introduce an upskirt law to the UK) will be the face of the challenge, taking on the full 30 day programme and providing a relatable, funny, engaging view on it as she takes on each tip.
Fans can follow the action on the BBC Body Positive Instagram, where they’ll find great stuff about the challenges alongside daily Insta stories from Gina and weekly recaps from both Gina and Zoe.
As part of the challenge, Gina will also join R1’s Life Hacks on 19 May for a special live show on mental health. They’ll have lots to discuss as Life Hacks hosts Katie and Cel will also be taking on the 30 Day Mental Wellness challenge to improve their own mental wellness.
BBC Sport
BBC Sport is producing a four part mini-series on its YouTube channel with presenter Ben Zand in conversation with athletes, footballers and other sportspeople discussing issues around depression, addiction and expectation. Ben is also launching a podcast on BBC Sounds aimed at 16-24yr olds - a daily drop of the things that are important to them.
BBC Learning
Bitesize will continue to build on its successful Mind Set initiative, with further content that supports young people with managing stress and anxiety while revising and taking exams. There will be advice from young exam survivors, along with tips and advice from a host of other famous faces.
Beyond exam stress, there will be a range of features on managing your mental health, supporting loved ones who are experiencing anxiety and depression, developing positive body image and more. This will include online articles and video produced in collaboration with BBC factual: Grace Campbell shares insights from her own and her father Alistair Campbell's experiences of living with anxiety and depression; and we'll have a series of short films featuring Nadiya Hussain supporting her upcoming BBC One programme on anxiety. This will all be available at https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/support
BBC Sounds
A selection of music mixes with a mindful theme will be available on BBC Sounds throughout Mental Health Awareness Week including the Good Vibes Mix by Jordan Stephens, The Happy Hour, Mary Anne Hobbs Hit Reset Mix and Great British Songbook: Mindful Mix.
Radio
BBC Asian Network
Mobeen Azhar
Monday 13 to Thursday 16 May, 10pm-midnight
Mobeen Azhar will be tackling a range of topics around mental health. He’ll be opening up a discussion around a different subject each day, exploring the issues that matter to listeners.
BBC Radio 1
Newsbeat: Radio 1 Stories - My Mind And Me
From the team who created award-winning podcast, I Hear Voices, comes a new mental health series for Radio 1 Stories, available on BBC Sounds.
As part of a special mental health season on BBC Radio 1, My Mind And Me, Newsbeat returns to catch up with four young people one year on since they revealed the dramatic highs and lows of living with mental health conditions. Each podcast is dedicated to one person's journey, covering a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, anorexia, OCD and bipolar.
Listen to Radio 1 Stories podcasts on BBC Sounds from Monday 13 May.
Life Hacks
Sunday 12 May, 4-7pm
Cel Spellman and Riyadh Khalaf present Life Hacks with a mental health focus, with honest and fun chat around all the questions listeners are too scared to search for. As young people call for schools and colleges to teach them more about how to look after their mental health, Cel and Riyadh rise to the challenge as Life Hacks presents a special wellness lesson, with strategies and advice for listeners on how to maintain their own mental health and wellbeing.
Life Hacks: Mental Health Special
Sunday 19 May, 4-7pm
Cel Spellman and Katie Thistleton host a Life Hacks mental health special. They’ll be joining forces with activist Gina Martin, taking on a wellness challenge with BBC Body Positive around Mental Health Awareness Week. Cel, Katie and Gina will be reporting back on their experiences of the daily tasks they undertake as part of the challenge, designed to help maintain a healthy lifestyle and support their mental wellbeing.
Radio 1’s Life Hacks Podcast
BBC Sounds, from April 2019
Life Hacks will also be running a series of special podcasts focused around mental health. The team will be exploring a range of topics, from exploring the impact a miscarriage can have on the mental health of male partners, to unpicking the complex issue of mental health in children.
BBC Radio 1Xtra
1Xtra Talks
Sunday 12 May, 9-10pm
Reece Parkinson will present an in-depth 1Xtra Talks mental health special.
BBC Radio 2
Jeremy Vine
Thursday 16 May, midday-2pm
Jeremy Vine broadcasts a special programme to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. Anxiety and anxiety attacks affect thousands of people in this country - but just how does a partner cope? Jeremy is joined by Radio 2’s relationship expert, Barbara Want.
Jeremy Vine is produced by Phil Jones for the BBC
Good Morning Sunday
Sunday 19 May, 6-9am
Good Morning Sunday's Charity Champion will be Debbie Matthews from #GoRacingGreen. Debbie has coped with mental health issues for many years but came to fame in the racing world earlier this year when she braved the crowds at Ascot to see Altior, a horse who has provided a kind of therapy for her. She is now encouraging racecourses to think about how they can better cater for the needs of people with mental health issues.
Pause For Thought
Radio 2’s Pause For Thought in Vanessa Feltz’s show will focus on mental health throughout Mental Health Awareness Week. Contributors will include Good Morning Sunday presenter Reverend Kate Bottley and the current President of the Methodist Conference, Reverend Michaela Youngson.
Pause For Thought is produced by Oliver Seymour for TBI Media
BBC Radio 4
The Archers
On BBC Radio 4’s The Archers, Elizabeth Pargetter continues her journey with depression. Elizabeth finds common ground with fellow Ambridge resident Will Grundy and the pair bond over their experiences of loss and grief. The Archers continues daily on Radio 4, Sunday to Friday (excluding Saturday) at 7pm.
Woman’s Hour
BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour will feature a series of interviews throughout the week with women about their experience of serious mental health issues, examining the woman’s experience of the condition and how it has affected their lives.
BBC Radio 6 Music
On BBC Radio 6 Music, programmes will explore the issue confidence and how music and performance can help build it, including Now Playing where the audience will create a playlist of songs that make them feel confident.
BBC local radio
BBC local radio stations are delving deep into their communities with plans that include a wellbeing walk in Derby and a young people get-together in Berkshire.
They are focusing on events that get as many people as possible together in a bid to combat loneliness and promote good mental health. There will also be a special mental health edition of the podcast Multi Story, which handpicks personal tales from across England.
BBC Radio Wiltshire is broadcasting a debate chaired by its political reporter with a panel of experts, a local MP, service providers, users, a GP and a mental health charity. Their calendar of wellbeing tips, with one positive idea to help mental health each day for 31 days, can be downloaded here.
Meanwhile, BBC Radio Humberside is on the hunt for 100 people to walk 100 miles with their Breakfast presenter. Twenty people will join the walk each day over the five day period, providing 20 different voices on the issue.
The weekly three-hour LGBTQ+ show on BBC Radio Leeds focusses on mental health in the black and Asian communities and hearing personal stories. Part of the show will be a debate recorded at a location yet to be confirmed.
Meet ups for men’s mental health is a focus for BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Tees while BBC Radio Lincolnshire is organising a health MOT Centre focussing on young farmers, allowing those who may be isolated in the large, rural county to get support and advice.
In Preston, BBC Radio Lancashire will host a talk by a health expert, followed by a meditation session for around 50 people from all ages and backgrounds.
Recently, BBC Radio Cornwall’s monthly mental health programme - now in its eighth year - was nominated for a national health award. The station is helping Torpoint Library as it reopens as a community hub with a focus on mental health support.
Get Creative 2019
The Get Creative Festival, the UK-wide celebration of have-a-go creativity, is back from 11-19 May 2019, aiming to give everyone in the UK the chance to Get Creative.
New for 2019, BBC Radio 3's New Generation Thinker and University College London Senior Research Fellow, Dr Daisy Fancourt - in partnership with UCL and The Open University - will reveal for the first time why getting creative is good for us using results from the biggest study of its kind. The Get Creative Feel Good Test will give participants a ‘feel good formula’ to re-boot their creative habits - maximising the potential for each individual to improve wellbeing. The Open University has developed a new website with the BBC to run the study and give personal recommendations. This unique test will launch in early May ahead of the Get Creative Festival and will be found at bbc.co.uk/getcreative
Notes to editors
- It’s just as important to look after your mental health as your physical heath - Public Health England is supporting the BBC by providing evidence based advice to help people make small changes to achieve better mental health
- Mental Health Foundation hosts Mental Health Awareness week but all the main mental health charities use the week to raise awareness of mental health issues. In 2019 the theme for the week is body image and MHF has commissioned YouGov to undertake two polls to find out more about the role body image has in mental wellbeing.
- Reading Well is a joint initiative of the Reading Agency and Libraries Connected. Reading Well supports the understanding and management of health and wellbeing through reading. Reading Well provides curated book lists for mental health which can be accessed from their site of from a public library. We will point to this online. Reading Well also promotes mood boosting books that have been recommended by readers and reading groups.
