This May, the BBC is bringing audiences a breadth of content that highlights the stories of those who have faced mental health struggles and provides audiences with help and support to build resilience and look after their wellbeing.

Content on television includes the deeply personal film, Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction on BBC One and iPlayer and Therapy: Tough Talking on BBC Three and iPlayer; and dedicated films and discussion on popular BBC shows including The One Show and Countryfile.

EastEnders will share specially filmed content on their social channels, with Natalie Cassidy talking to cast members about some of the mental health storylines the soap has tackled, in the hope of starting a conversation with viewers.

Other new films include Carl Frampton: Men in Crisis on BBC Northern Ireland and iPlayer and Anton Danyluk on Body Shame on BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

Radio content includes specially curated music mixes on BBC Radio 3; new drama from Katie Redford, Yellow Lips, on BBC Radio 4; a week of special Life Hacks shows on BBC Radio 1; a selection of programming - One for the Heads - on the theme of wellbeing on BBC 6 Music, including four part series, Journeys In Sound, presented by DJ, broadcaster and qualified psychotherapist, Nemone; an exploration of climate anxiety in young people on BBC Radio 5 Live; a special edition of BBC 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave; and a report on the mental health of garment workers in Bangladesh on BBC Asian Network.

The programming will supplement the BBC’s dedicated online resource, BBC Headroom, which was launched in response to the mental health challenges faced by many during lockdown.

The season is being supported by actor and presenter David Harewood, who presented the acclaimed documentary, Psychosis and Me and will be appearing in a short film for the BBC Headroom site and on social media.

David says: “Mental health problems are very common. When I was 23 I experienced a powerful and mind-bending psychotic episode which resulted in me being sectioned and hospitalised. It was a hugely traumatic experience, not just for me but also to friends and family who had to watch me go through it.

"With the help and support of those around me I made a full recovery, but that isn’t the same for everyone. Some people need lifelong support and understanding, and this is why I’m supporting the BBC’s Mental Health season."

On the BBC Headroom website you’ll find a selection of expert tips, coping strategies and inspiring documentaries to help you get through the day. Not everything can be fixed quickly or simply, but knowing there are others who understand what you’re feeling, and knowing there is support out there, can help.”

New content on the website includes digital animations and videos on a number of themes, from how to support friends and family struggling with their mental health to how therapy actually works. The site will also act as a hub for highlights from throughout the week, as well as provide access to some of the best mental health content from the BBC’s wide ranging collection across TV, radio and digital.

Content for children and parents includes a BBC Bitesize Parents’ Toolkit with advice and tips from experts including Dr Ranj Singh and Dr Anna Colton to help parents and carers support a healthy, happy childhood. BBC Education initiatives Moodboosters and Own It host video resources, quizzes and articles for families to watch and take part in at home and there are special Mental Health and Mindfulness collections on iPlayer for CBBC and CBeebies viewers.

There will be further activity across BBC News, BBC Children in Need, BBC Scotland, BBC Wales, BBC Northern Ireland and local radio.

BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds will feature specially curated content including collections of many of the BBC’s acclaimed mental health documentaries, podcasts, radio shows and music with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.

Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer says : “The BBC has a long commitment to tackling mental health issues in our programming and with many people still living through challenging times, it’s important that we continue to raise awareness and provide help and support.

"This year we are marking Mental Health Awareness Week with a wide range of content across television, radio and digital including documentaries, specially curated playlists, discussion and expert tips and advice. I hope it will give people the tools they need to look after their own wellbeing as well as helping them to support those close to them.”

Mind Chief Executive, Sarah Hughes, says: “Our own research shows us that dramas, documentaries and news reports prompt people to talk about their mental health, seek help and support other people in their lives.

It’s crucial the media helps raise awareness and provides accurate information about mental health. That’s why I am delighted the BBC is putting mental health centre stage across its channels during Mental Health Awareness Week. For too long, discussions around mental health were taboo and frowned upon. No more. But there is still so much to do.

“The BBC’s mental health season will make a real difference. Encouraging discussion, raising awareness and signposting where to find support cannot be underestimated.”

Television

Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction

BBC One and iPlayer

Musician, actor and dad of three, Matt Willis, may seem to have it all. But behind the success there is one thing that often dominates his thoughts: his addictions. In this raw and honest documentary Matt opens up about his past and takes an extensive look into his battle with drugs and alcohol, how it has pushed him to the edge, and his daily struggle to keep himself clean and sober.

Therapy: Tough Talking

BBC Three and iPlayer

Rapper, actor, and writer Kema Kay is struggling with his mental health. A difficult and tragic childhood have contributed to his doctor’s prognosis that he could be suffering from depression in his adult life. Having been advised to try therapy, in this film, Kema bravely allows cameras inside his therapy sessions to follow his progress.

Radio

BBC Radio 4

Is Psychiatry Working?

Is Psychiatry Working? is a six-part series exploring the current state of mental health care. During the Mental Health season, there will be a bonus episode on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 4 focusing on the theme of anxiety.

Yellow Lips

Katie Redford’s drama tells of a daughter’s memories of her mum’s struggle with mental health. The young Jen never truly questioned the effect her mum's health had on her and her family. But looking back, with an older head upon her shoulders, she has the knowledge of how such an illness can affect the dynamics of a family.

Woman’s Hour

Anita Rani will be joined in the studio by Manisha Tailor, Assistant Head of Coaching at Championship club Queen's Park Rangers. As well as being the first woman to hold such a position in men's professional football in England, she’s a passionate campaigner for ending the stigma that surrounds mental health. She was recently featured in the Woman’s Hour Power List 2023.

BBC Radio 3

Music Matters

Tom Service explores the world of gong baths to find out about the ways in which sound therapy can be used to help reduce levels of anxiety and stress.

Between the Ears: Scoring Mental Health

Radio 3’s Researcher in Residence, Professor Sally Marlow of King’s College London asked composer and sound artist Gawain Hewitt to lead a series of workshops with a group of people with lived experience of mental illness to co-compose new music exploring a whole spectrum of symptoms and changing feelings that words alone cannot do justice. The result is an exhilarating series of short musical pieces moving from optimism tinged with uncertainty, to deep disquiet, weaving intimate personal experiences with the acoustic and electronic sounds evolved from the workshops.

Classical Fix

Radio 3’s podcast for classical music newbies marks the Mental Health season with two episodes, where host Linton Stephens discusses classical music playlists he especially put together for guests Dr Radha Modgil, BBC Radio 1 Live Hacks medical expert (15 May) and former TV anchor turned child therapist Kate Silverton (21 May).

Classical Mixtape

A week of specially-curated mixes, where Radio 3 presenters share their own selections of music that support their wellbeing.

Essential Classics

Georgia Mann introduces a special live meditation given by Maude Hirst, a former actor and now a leading meditation specialist, to help with the stress of everyday life. It will be soundtracked by one of the pieces of music especially commissioned to accompany meditation in the BBC Sounds Music and Meditation podcast, which is composed by Eleanor Haward.

J to Z: Jazz For Meditation

Jumoké Fashola presents a special edition of J to Z full of uplifting melodies, meditative grooves and soothing sounds.

BBC Radio 1

Radio 1 is planning a week of special Life Hacks shows alongside on-the-ground panels in Dundee as part of the channel’s Big Weekend Outreach during the Mental Health season. This will be supported on Radio 1’s social channels and on-air throughout the week.

BBC 1Xtra

Across the week, BBC 1Xtra presenters including Nadia Jae, DJ Ace, Kaylee Golding, Remi Burgz and Nick Bright will be exploring a different theme or subject related to mental health in each of their weekday shows. The network will also air a special ‘Mental Health’ episode of 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave – BBC 1Xtra’s dedicated speech show to exploring issues impacting Black communities across the UK.

BBC Radio 6 Music

BBC Radio 6 Music is marking the Mental Health season 2023 with One for the Heads – a selection of programming on the theme of wellbeing, which will be broadcast between Monday 15 and Slow Sunday, 21 May.

Slow Sunday will feature a soothing run of programmes and a day of chilled out music to help listeners unwind. Highlights include: Amy Lamé (6am-8am) inviting some of her favourite artists to share chilled out playlists; and Iggy Pop serving up a Slow Sunday sonic cocktail with sedate numbers from Spiritualized, Cluster, a specially slowed down Nico, Mick Harvey and Punjabi-American sitar player, Ami Dang.

One For The Heads will also see the return of Journeys In Sound, a four-part series that will be broadcast on Sundays in May (1pm-2pm) and presented by DJ, broadcaster and qualified psychotherapist, Nemone. Slow Sunday will feature a special edition of the programme, in which musician Baxter Dury shares the pivotal moments that have made him the artist he is today with Nemone. Journeys in Sound will begin on Sunday 7 May with spoken word artist Kae Tempest, Northern Irish musician and composer David Holmes contributes on 14 May and DJ and producer Sherelle joins Nemone on 28 May.

Additional ‘One for the Heads’ content on 6 Music throughout May includes special Dawn Walks on Chris Hawkins’ show (weekdays, 5am-7.30am), which will see artists including Antony Szmierek (8 May), Holysseus Fly (15 May) and Stornoway (22 May) take listeners on their favourite morning walks.

BBC Radio 5 Live

On Tuesday 16 May BBC Radio 5 Live will be running an hour-long special on climate anxiety in young people. The programme will explore how many young people suffer from climate anxiety and hear from experts including neuroscientists and provide advice to parents on how to talk to their children about the climate crisis and anxiety.

Asian Network

The Asian Network will feature a report on an innovative new project to support the mental health of garment workers in factories in Bangladesh.

BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds will feature a Mindful of Mental Health curation on the podcast page from 2nd May lasting all month, featuring podcasts on topics relevant to mental health including the likes of How Do You Cope, Music and Meditation and For Fitness Sake. There will also be a daily picks takeover on the BBC Sounds homepage from the 15-22 May to mark mental health week, and a selection of special episodes from some of BBC Sounds’ most popular music mixes.

Mindful Mix with Izzy Judd

Mindfulness practitioner and violinist Izzy Judd presents a Mindful Mix including pieces by Satie, Johann Johansson, JS Bach, Florence Price, Rebecca Clarke, and John Tavener amongst others.

Ultimate Calm with Olafur Arnalds – Calm tracks to inspire confidence ft. Alfa Mist

Join Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds for a calming musical journey inspired by fresh starts.

Piano Flow with Gabriels

Find space to take a breath and slow down with Gabriels singer Jacob Lusk’s favourite peaceful piano tracks.

Ambient Focus

Ambient Focus explores experimental soundscapes chosen by some of the luminaries of electronic music. This special edition of Ambient Focus features a guest curation from KMRU and The Orb.

Focus Beats

Handpicked beats and instrumentals to help block out distraction from Miso Extra.

Children’s & Education

BBC Bitesize Parents’ Toolkit offers expert-led tips and advice to help parents and carers to support school age children with learning, activities and wellbeing. With a major focus on child mental health, the articles aim to give parents tips on spotting when a child is having problems, where to go for help and what to do while accessing that support.

The collection includes video tips on how to tackle anxiety with psychologist Dr Anna Colton, articles on stigma around child mental health with NHS clinician Dr Ranj Singh and a wellbeing section with advice to help parents and carers support a healthy, happy childhood.

BBC Education initiative Moodboosters has a host of video resources for families to watch and take part in at home. BBC Moodboosters is a Primary age mental health and wellbeing initiative which offers video activities for teachers and parents designed to boost children’s mood by giving them the tools and skills to thrive, feel good and help manage their emotions.

BBC Education’s Own It, the destination for online safety tips and education, also hosts videos, quizzes and articles on digital wellbeing and how to make the internet a kinder place for 7-11 year olds.

On BBC iPlayer a You and Your Mental Health collection is available for CBBC viewers and for younger CBeebies viewers, a Mindfulness Moments collection to help to wind down.

BBC Scotland

Anton Danyluk stands with a group of students in a school PE hall
Anton Danyluk (Image: Naomi Buchanan)
Anton Danyluk on Body Shame

Anton Danyluk, the ripped reality star from Lanarkshire, has battled body insecurity all his life. As an overweight kid, he faced body-shaming and bullying. He reacted by hitting the gym to build muscle and confidence. But despite his toned body, he’s still anxious about his appearance – and he’s not alone. More than a quarter of teenage boys in Scotland stress about their body image and social media is making the problem worse.

Now Anton wonders if he’s part of the issue as he peppers his socials with muscly selfies and gym shots. In this new 30 minute documentary he reflects on whether he is hiding his own insecurities and also inadvertently making boys believe in an unrealistic ideal body. He meets young men who struggle with their body image to understand how they’re affected by what they see online and compare their experiences of body shaming with his own. In a frank, personal journey, he examines his time on reality TV and speaks to mental health experts as he questions how the media obsession with ‘ripped physiques’ affects Scotland’s young men.

Anton Danyluk on Body Shame, is a Firecrest Films production, and will go out on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer on May 18.

BBC Northern Ireland

Carl Frampton: Men in Crisis

Two-time world champion boxer Carl Frampton embarks on a journey to understand why so many young men in Northern Ireland are struggling with their mental health and how challenging stereotypes can help men talk openly about how they feel.

Northern Ireland has a mental health crisis. It has one of the highest suicide rates in the UK and the majority of suicides are men. Some areas, including where Carl grew up, have particularly high levels of suicide.

In this hard-hitting documentary, Carl speaks to experts about the challenges facing young men in Northern Ireland and what support exists for those who do seek help. Carl opens up for the first time about the things that made him feel angry, isolated and ashamed and meets other young men who are breaking the silence on their own mental health story.

Janet Devlin: Young, Female And Addicted

Janet Devlin, from Co Tyrone in Northern Ireland, was just 16 years old when she competed in the eighth series of The X-Factor in 2011, where she finished in fifth place. After shooting to fame, loneliness and social anxiety led to a downward spiral that was fuelled by alcohol and resulted in addiction, self-harm and attempts to take her own life.

In a 2022 documentary, broadcast last year by BBC Northern Ireland - and available again for Mental Health Awareness Week - the singer songwriter talks candidly about her alcoholism and mental health and speaks to medical experts about why young women are drinking more than ever. The programme hears from a consultant psychiatrist, who considers addiction to be a mental health issue in itself.

Janet Devlin: Young, Female And Addicted, also follows Janet as she embarks on a journey to try to understand the root cause of her addiction and how it impacted those closest to her, including her mum and her manager, who speak publicly for the first time about the effect it had on them and their lives.

Over the course of the documentary, she meets other young women from Northern Ireland who are recovering from alcoholism, or whose lives and families have been impacted by addiction. Their deeply personal stories reveal the intrinsic link between mental health and addiction and illustrate how easy it can be to fall into alcohol dependence.

Janet Devlin: Young, Female And Addicted is available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC Wales

BBC Radio Wales’s Wynne Evans, will be sharing his experiences of his mental health “superpower” and will ask listeners for their advice on how they find their happy.

Every Wednesday in May, Behnaz Akhgar will support and inform listeners with a Mental Health Advice Hour from 3pm, supported by bitesize tips online. The show will also feature groups across Wales who bring people together through mental health, from boxing, singing groups, mens sheds and walking groups.

And on 15 May BBC Sounds will publish a Welsh Soundscape for mindfulness and relaxation, recorded during the Dawn Chorus at Cosmeston Lakes in Penarth.

Corporate

The BBC places the utmost importance on the mental health and wellbeing of all those who work for us. We have a range of programmes and support networks for staff focusing on three areas: prevention of ill health, building resilience and providing support where needed.

This includes online mental health and resilience sessions, access to over 1,000 staff mental health first aiders, well-being courses for staff and managers provided by the BBC Academy, the Employee Assistance Programme, which includes a confidential 24-hour support line and online chat facility with trained counsellors, and access to a remote GP. In addition, to support employees managers can arrange an Occupational Health assessment which provides advice on managing a range of health conditions in the workplace.

We have also given all BBC employees access to an online application to support their wellbeing which provides a confidential service to help individuals track and understand their well-being and mental health over time in addition to providing helpful wellbeing resources in the form of podcasts, videos and learning modules.

The BBC has embarked on a review of our health and wellbeing approaches which will ensure that our approaches are evidence-based and fit the needs of our workplace. We are currently gathering information about the needs of staff from a variety of sources and exploring how we can further develop our wellbeing offer.