BBC Announce Mental Health and wellbeing season

This May, the BBC is bringing audiences a wide range of mental health and wellbeing content that highlights the stories of those who are facing mental health struggles, as well as helping audiences  explore what they can do to look after their mental wellbeing, and where to go for further support. 

A new website is the central hub of the BBC’s mental health and wellbeing content, and includes tips to get you through the day, music and meditation to help you relax and advice for supporting yourself and others.

This year, one of the key themes of the season is focused on physical activity and movement, and how it can help with your mental health. The season is being supported by fitness coach Joe Wicks, who presented the acclaimed documentary about his parents’ mental health issues, Joe Wicks: Facing my Childhood. He has recorded two special mood-boosting workouts for when you are feeling overwhelmed, alongside bespoke video content, a Mindful Mix for BBC Soundsand a specially curated Wellbeing Watchlist on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Homepage.

Joe Wicks says: “I’m really proud to be involved in the BBC’s Mental Wellbeing season because it’s something I’m so passionate about. To take care of your mental health, you’ve got to take care of your physical health, they are so interlinked. I’d like to say to anyone who is struggling, I really hope that they will lean on this season and look out for the content. Some of the conversations that are had could really help you.”

Content on television includes special reports and discussion on popular BBC shows including The One Show, Morning Live, Countryfile and coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Radio content includes a new programme with Tom Service exploring the connections between movement, music and mental health on Radio 3 alongside composer Gavin Higgins considering how his Tourette Syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder has informed his music in the Sunday Feature. There are documentaries on Radio 4 looking at Dissociative Identity Disorder and the mental health pressures on serving politicians and Claudia Hammond presents a special edition of All in the Mind. 1Xtra’s DJ Day Day & Kaylee Golding launch a week of physical challenges and there is a special focus on the mental health of construction workers on Radio 5 Live.

In addition, radio’s longest running drama, The Archers will explore how one event can have far-reaching and unexpected consequences on mental health.

BBC Radio 6 Music launches Change The Tune – an on-air, digital and social media initiative to raise awareness of the impact that online abuse has on the lives of artists. 

BBC Sounds features a new Self Care collection and the launch of a new podcast series with Dr Michael Mosley: Deep Calm as well as the Music & Meditation Podcast with Izzy Judd and a host of music titles from Mindful Mix to The Sleeping Forecast.

Content for children and parents includes a special Live Lesson on CBBC and BBC Teach, made in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, featuring Paralympian Ade Adepitan and Blue Peter’s Shini Muthukrishnan as well as a special guest appearance from England captain, Harry Kane. In addition, Newsround will have an in-depth report looking at the impact of poor housing on children’s mental health.

BBC Ideas has commissioned an animation looking at how breathing can be optimised for better health and a short film exploring how climate change and heat waves impact our mental health.

BBC Children in Need will be launching a special campaign to raise awareness, deliver resources, and open up a nationwide conversation around children’s mental health.

There will be further activity across BBC News, BBC Scotland, BBC Wales and local radio.

Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer says: “The BBC has been at the forefront of raising awareness around mental health issues for many years through a range of programming, and our commitment continues with the launch of a new mental wellbeing website to coincide with this season. This year we have a breadth of content on TV, radio and digital that I hope will encourage conversation and importantly provide the tools and resources to help support people and those around them.” 

Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation says: “We have so much more to do to equip people with skills and understanding to live with good mental health. That is why BBC’s Mental Wellbeing Season is such a valuable opportunity to reach people across the UK with stories, guidance, and inspiration to support their mental health and wellbeing. We hope together this partnership will mean more people can enjoy all that is on offer, bust myths, and feel motivated to try new things that will make a real difference.”

Mind’s Chief Executive, Dr Sarah Hughes, says: “ It’s crucial the media continues to help raise awareness and provides accurate information about the realities of living with a mental health problem. Our own research shows us that sensitive, accurate and responsible dramas, documentaries, and news reports can prompt people, particularly young people, to talk about their mental health, seek help themselves and support others in their own lives.

“Never has it been more important to make sure mental wellbeing is centre stage and the BBC’s mental health season could make a real difference. The power of encouraging discussion, raising awareness, and signposting to mental health support cannot be underestimated.”

The season runs throughout the month of May with a spike of activity from 13-19 May to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.