BBC unite with commercial radio for first time to support mental health awareness

By Nina Massey11th May 2018News EnglandMental Health, News England, Vulnerable Adults

BBC and commercial radio stations will team up for the first time ever to broadcast a message about mental health.

The one-minute segment will air across more than 300 stations on May 15 at 10.59am.

Featuring global voices to be revealed at a later date, the message is to recognise Mental Health Awareness Week during the industry’s Radio Audio Week.

The minute is supported by the Royal Foundation’s Heads Together campaign which works to change the national conversation on mental health and tackle the stigma that prevents people from getting help.

Broadcasting to one of radio’s biggest collective audiences with an average listenership of 20 million, the Mental Health Minute has been led by Radiocentre and The Radio Academy.

The content will be created and produced by content agency Somethin’ Else.

Siobhan Kenny, Radiocentre chief executive, said: “Radio is coming together in a UK first today to shine a light on the important issue of mental health.

“Radio is unique in being both fantastically intimate and yet part of a shared experience.

“As well as providing company and fun, radio can be an important lifeline for listeners.

“It is therefore an obvious choice for us all to come together to talk about the things that matter most in our lives.”

Lorraine Heggessey, chief executive of The Royal Foundation, said: “At its heart, Heads Together is about bringing people together to change the conversation on mental health.

“Nothing exemplifies this more than radio stations from all networks focusing their airtime on such an important topic, and talking directly with their listeners.”