Latest news with #WellbeingWeek
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC Wellbeing Week 2025 across TV, Radio and Digital
Get ready for the BBC's Wellbeing Week (10-16 May) – an uplifting celebration of real stories and the power of connection. Across TV, iPlayer, radio, and more, the BBC is shining a light on the ups and downs of mental health, offering inspiration, support, and practical ways to feel better, every day. This year the BBC's Wellbeing Week is themed around Connection, Sharing and Community. As part of BBC Wellbeing Week 2025, the BBC is delivering a powerful, multi-platform exploration of mental health and emotional wellbeing. From the compelling new BBC One documentary Change Your Mind, Change Your Life with Matt and Emma Willis, to soothing musical programming on Radio 3 and 6 Music and heartfelt conversations across BBC Sounds and social platforms, this week offers audiences of all ages a window into the transformative power of talking, listening and connecting. Highlights include exclusive insights into therapy, stories of recovery and resilience, guided meditations, content to support children's emotional wellbeing, and an in-depth look at the emerging role of AI in mental healthcare as well as some familiar BBC faces speaking on their own experience with wellbeing and looking after yourself, including Bionic from Gladiators and RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner Kryan Thrax. In addition, BBC Children in Need will be launching a new Mental Health tool on Monday 12 May, with more information to come. Kate Phillips, Interim Chief Content Officer, says: 'The BBC has a proud reputation for raising awareness of mental health issues in our programming and this year our commitment continues with the launch of Wellbeing Week. Through special content on tv, radio and online we'll be opening up vital conversations around mental health and sharing practical tools to help people feel seen, supported and stronger.' Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, says: 'We're delighted that the BBC is taking the opportunity to focus the nation's attention on the wellbeing of individuals and their communities. The BBC's Wellbeing Week coincides with our own Mental Health Awareness Week which has been running for more than 20 years. This year's theme is the power of community to support good mental health and wellbeing by providing a sense of belonging, purpose, safety and support. Campaigns like these help to normalise conversations around mental health, give people the confidence to take action for good wellbeing or seek support if needed, and reduce the stigma of mental ill health." Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, says: 'It's crucial the media continues to help raise awareness, and provides accurate information about both the realities of living with a mental health problem, and the importance of community. The media can help provide a sense of belonging, purpose, safety, and support for all communities. Mental health is more than just a small part of our lives. It's connected to every little thing we do, every place we go and every person around us. And this extends to what we consume through TV and radio. "We must remember the very real issues being highlighted in TV shows and how this can rally us all. Our own research shows us that sensitive, accurate and responsible documentaries, dramas and news reports can prompt people - and particularly younger audiences - to talk about issues which impact their mental health. This can, in turn, lead to seeking help for themselves, and supporting others in their lives. 'Never has it been more important to make sure mental wellbeing is centre stage and we hope the BBC's focus on wellbeing week and community can make a difference. The power of encouraging discussion, raising awareness and signposting to mental health support cannot be underestimated.' EL TV and BBC iPlayer Change Your Mind, Change Your Life Emma and Matt Willis explore therapy in a four part documentary series Matt and Emma Willis bring together a team of leading therapists who've agreed to open the doors to their work. Having both experienced first-hand the positive effects that therapy can have, in this new series for BBC One they'll follow people across the UK as they confront the problems they face to see if therapy can help transform their lives. Full of tips on how to tackle everyday challenges, Change your Mind, Change your Life reveals the power of opening up. Matt and Emma Willis said: 'Therapy has played a huge role in both of our lives, not just individually but as a couple too. It's given us the tools to understand ourselves and each other better, and we know firsthand how powerful that can be. With this documentary series we'll hear from incredible experts and see what really happens in the therapy room, to help break down the stigma and start conversations. We'll meet those taking part and follow the process each step of the way, which we hope will show the benefits of talking and prioritising mental wellbeing. We know that therapy isn't always easy to access, so by bringing it to TV, we hope to give people a window into the process and share tools that could help them navigate their own challenges. Asking for help is never a weakness; it's one of the bravest things you can do.' The One Show Angela Rippon revisits author Matt Haig's hometown of Newark, where his life experiences have deeply shaped his writing. As a child, Matt found solace in the local library amidst challenges at school, developing a love for books that later became a lifeline. While his teenage years included run-ins with the law and struggles with mental health, Matt's journey eventually led him to success as a celebrated author. This piece explores Newark's landmarks that influenced Matt and delves into how his darkest moments inspired his work, touching the lives of readers worldwide. Casualty On 10 May, Casualty will be exploring a range of powerful storylines that touch on issues affecting mental health. From grief, trauma, and emotional burnout to identity struggles, addiction, and the lasting impact of sexual assault, the show delves into the often unseen challenges people face behind closed doors. Through the experiences of characters like Stevie, Ngozi, Indie, and Rida, Casualty highlights the importance of support, honesty, and seeking help, reminding viewers that mental wellbeing is just as vital as physical health. Social Bionic from Gladiators opens up about his personal mental health story Bionic from Gladiators opens up about his struggles with mental health, speaking candidly about the challenges he faces and the importance of talking to others. He acknowledges that many men find it difficult to share their feelings, often staying silent out of fear or pride. However, he explains how opening up to his parents and a close friend becomes a turning point in his journey. By talking and allowing himself to be vulnerable, he begins to feel supported and understood, which helps him start feeling better. Bionic stresses that speaking out can be a powerful step toward healing and encourages others not to suffer in silence. Kyran Thrax from RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 6 shares top tips In a fun and upbeat clip, Kyran Thrax from Drag Race shares four top tips for wellbeing and looking after yourself. With their signature charm and energy, Kyran reminds us that behind the fierce drag persona, there's still Kyran, and both Kyran and Kyran Thrax need care. Kyran's tips are all about keeping things light, fun, and fabulous, while still making sure you're looking after the person underneath the glam. Radio BBC Radio 3 Radio 3's Classical Unwind Dr. Sian Williams, psychologist and presenter of Radio 3 Unwind's Classical Unwind, brings special wellbeing episodes (12th-16th May, 9:00-12:00am), with features 'Take A Breath' and 'Open Your Mind' leaning more explicitly into wellbeing and mental health across the week. Dr Sian will be giving listeners a daily wellbeing tip and introducing a piece of mindful music to start the day. Radio 3's Classical Wind Down Niall Breslin, mental health advocate and host of Radio 3 Unwind's Classical Wind Down, (weekdays 6:00-9:00pm) will explore mindfulness and meditation as well as special wellbeing editions of the features 'Press Pause' and 'Wind Down Widsom'. Niall also introduces a week of the Classical Mixtape (weekdays, 7:00pm) with five classical playlists inspired by themes of togetherness, solitariness, love and kindness, rest and recovery, and music and nature. BBC Radio 4 For Wellbeing Week, BBC Radio 4's All in the Mind takes a powerful look at how community and connection can support mental wellbeing. Claudia Hammond heads to Essex to meet a group of women, finalists in this year's All in the Mind awards, who are overcoming anxiety, depression, and past abuse through the simple act of learning to ride a bike. The episode also explores the science behind tuning into your heartbeat and reveals how watching 70s sitcoms might surprisingly boost vaccine effectiveness. BBC Radio 6 Music Slow Sunday on 11 May 6 Music's annual Slow Sunday returns today, with presenters across the day encouraging listeners to escape, relax and unwind with a soothing run of programmes and chilled out music. Each show will begin with a special introduction from 6 Music's Zakia Sewell, who brings listeners music to ease the mind and soothe the soul each Sunday (10pm-12am) with her weekly show, Dream Time. Amy Lamé (6-8am) dusts off the desks and spins three chilled out mini mixes across the show. Expect tunes from Zero 7, Daft Punk, AIR and more. Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie (8-10am) take listeners on an audio trip to the seaside, with a selection of beach-themed tracks. Cerys Matthews (10am-1pm) interviews Jeff Towns, one of the world's leading experts on the Welsh poet and writer, Dylan Thomas. Guy Garvey brings listeners a sloth and sloths-themed show, with music and archive about general inactivity and the slow-moving South American mammal, in Guy Garvey's Finest Hour (1-4pm). Jason Pierce of Spiritualized sits in for Iggy Pop (4-6pm) with a suitable Slow Sunday selection, including some blues, gospel and a couple of cuts from Sun Ra. In Now Playing @6Music (6-8pm), Tom Robinson plays listeners' musical escapism tracks. Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone (8-10pm) has an ambient music special – including music from ambient pioneer Brian Eno. Zakia Sewell brings Slow Sunday to a close in Dream Time (10pm-12am), with a selection of hypnotic tracks, including a sound bath from Japanese ambient artist Hinako Omori, who shares one of her pieces that combines therapeutic frequencies with riverside field recordings. Journeys in Sound Monday 12 – Thursday 15 May, 11pm-12am This Wellbeing Week, Journeys in Sound returns to BBC Radio 6 Music (12th-15th May, 11pm-12am), exploring the deep connection between music and mental wellbeing. Presented by broadcaster and psychotherapist Nemone, the series features candid conversations with artists about how music shapes their mental health and personal journeys. Kicking off the week, Billy Nomates reveals the personal trials that inspired her new album, Metal Horse, and discusses her approach to the social media landscape, after a negative experience at Glastonbury a few years ago made her question everything about life as an artist. It was an event that also led 6 Music to launch its own Change The Tune campaign 12 months ago – an on-air, digital and social media initiative designed to raise awareness of the impact that online abuse has on the lives of artists. The week continues with Jeff Goldblum (Tuesday 13 May) discussing his jazz album Still Blooming, his love for music, and how late-in-life fatherhood has affected him. Seun Kuti joins Nemone on Wednesday 14th May to reflect on life in Fela Kuti's Kalakuta Republic and discuss his latest record with Egypt 80, Heavier Yet. The series wraps up with Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson, on Thursday 15th May, who shares reflections from her life in music ahead of the band's forthcoming album Let All That We Imagine Be the Light. BBC Radio Wales BBC Radio Wales is offering a broad range of content; from mood-boosting fun to helping to reduce stigma and empowering listeners to navigate mental health challenges in innovative ways. In Happiness Lab Presenters Bronwen Lewis, James Williams, Molly Palmer, Behnaz Akhgar and Jason Mohammad, test science-backed tips to make us happier, everything from cold showers to the mood-boosting power of puppies. Our budding scientists report their findings back to Robin Morgan throughout the week, Monday to Friday from 9am to midday. The Phone-In The Phone-In (Monday to Friday from 12pm-2pm) invites listeners to Ask Me Anything. Guests from across Wales openly discuss living with a highly stigmatised mental health condition. From eating disorders to OCD and bipolar disorder, and more, guests answer listener questions in a stigma-busting, uplifting conversation on recovery, resilience and what you can and can't say. Advice Hour Behnaz Akhgar (Tuesday to Thursday from 2.30pm-3.30pm), Sue O'Leary (mental health charity Mind Cymru) and Vanessa Northam (debt crisis charity StepChange) offer holistic, empowering guidance on managing financial stress both practically and emotionally. Dentist Lauren Harrhy discusses oral health's impact on wellbeing, while award winning author and nutritionist Ian Marber shares how diet supports our wellbeing. BBC Sounds The Music & Meditation Podcast Join Izzy Judd to escape the noise of daily life through the power of music and meditation in the ultimate therapeutic podcast. Experience guided meditations covering themes such as defining your boundaries to navigating friendships from a range of experts enhanced by an immersive classical soundtrack. And if you want the guided meditations without the chat, each one is available separately as a 10-minute Meditation. Each episode is made up of breathing exercises, a conversation and guided meditation with a different guest meditation expert (soundtracked by compositions written especially for the podcast) and beautiful sequences of classical music. Episodes land every Sunday so tune into the first episode of Series 5 Evolve With Change featuring Erland Cooper and Deepak Chopra, available on BBC Sounds 11th of May. Radio 3's Mindful Mix Relax and see things more clearly with the Mindful Mix. Join for a Wellbeing Week episode curated by breathwork expert, performance coach and music therapy advocate Stuart Sandeman, on BBC Sounds from 9 May. Saturday Morning with Tom Service Saturday Morning delves into cutting edge research on the positive effects of music on perinatal women's mental health. Professor Daisy Fancourt has been researching the subject for a decade and discovered the profound effect music can have on reducing the symptoms of Post Natal Depression via group singing and musical involvement. We hear too from musical sessions from a charity called 'Breathe Melodies' who run singing workshops in collaboration with NHS hospitals and midwives throughout London for new mothers who are struggling with PND. We learn about both the science and the stories from women who have taken part. BBC Children's and Education CBeebies For BBC Wellbeing Week, CBeebies is offering a heartwarming selection of feel-good content across all four of its apps, designed to support little ones with mood management, mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing. In the CBeebies Learn app, children can unwind with the 'Love Monster Mindfulness' game, which introduces calming techniques like breathing and focus through playful, gentle activities. Over on the CBeebies Storytime app, Tom Hardy brings emotions to life in the rhyming Bedtime Story The Problem with Problems, encouraging kids to open up about their feelings, alongside a soothing collection of stories perfect for winding down. The CBeebies Get Creative app features relaxing colouring-in videos starring favourites like Hey Duggee and Vida the Vet, while the Playtime Island app is packed with joyful, music-based games. Whether it's dancing with JoJo and Gran Gran or singing with Mr Tumble, there's something to lift every little mood. This May, CBeebies is helping kids feel good, one joyful moment at a time. BBC Bitesize – The Moodboosters Live Lesson Join Rhys Stephenson and Evie Pickerill for a jam-packed show full of gentle mood-boosting moves to help us recharge our minds and bodies. In the Live Lesson we'll be sharing tips and techniques for dealing with our worries, building self-belief, and supporting pupils' mental health during exams and other challenging times. Mental health expert Dr Tharaka Gunarathne will be on hand to offer support and we'll also be joined by some famous faces throughout the lesson – including a very special appearance from Pudsey Bear! BBC Children's and Education has also collated 4 Moodbooster compilations on BBC iPlayer inviting 5 to 11 year olds to get active and express emotions on the following themes: Boost – Getting energised Recharge – Slowing down and feeling calm Connect – Connecting with others Imagine – Using imagination to feel positive BBC Bitesize - The World of Wellbeing Podcast For teen audiences, The World of Wellbeing podcast will be available in video form on the Bitesize Study Support website and as audio on BBC Sounds. The podcast takes young people through some of the biggest wellbeing challenges facing teenagers. Tik Tok star Ami Charlize and Radio 1's Dr Radha discuss worrying and anxiety, self-esteem, self-care, friendship fall outs and the impact of sleep and exercise on wellbeing through shared experience and practical tips. BBC News BBC News will interview some of the brilliant people who feature in the groundbreaking BBC One Change Your Mind, Change Your Life series, host informative live discussions about the role of therapy, and post tips and guidance from the series. The BBC News website will publish an In Depth feature, exploring the role AI can play in therapy. Written by social affairs reporter Eleanor Lawrie, it's pegged to the use of AI chatbots by some NHS talking therapy services to help manage people's mental health symptoms while they wait for an appointment. With insight from people who have used therapy chatbots, it will look at how AI therapy bots are created, what the downsides and benefits are in using AI therapy, and to what extent AI will be used in the therapy scene in future. Newsbeat and beyond will showcase the story of West Ham striker Michail Antonia as part of a Morning Live and BBC Sport collaboration that explores his recovery after a devastating car crash – in it the taboos around therapy will be discussed and there will be special 5 Live Nicky Campbell phone in.
Irish Independent
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Staff and students from Wexford secondary school enjoy feast of activities for well-being week
Organised by the Amber Flag team, led by Mrs Jackie Byrne, the week encouraged students to prioritise their mental and physical well-being while fostering a strong sense of community spirit. The school's Wellbeing Week incorporated outdoor activities designed to encourage mindfulness and exercise. PE classes, led by Ms Daphne Kennington, took advantage of the Greenway for wellbeing walks and a nature scavenger hunt, where students were challenged to observe their surroundings, capturing photographs of specific items as part of a creative task. Meanwhile, on school grounds, students and staff revisited childhood fun with vintage games and activities, including hopscotch, ring toss, skipping, and Connect 4. An Easter egg scavenger hunt added a competitive element, with teams racing to solve clues in the fastest time. Wednesday brought a bake sale to the jam-packed schedule, which was held in the refectory. It was again organised by the Amber Flag team and the event featured a variety of homemade treats, with students and staff showing their support by purchasing and enjoying the baked goods. Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund future wellbeing initiatives within the school. The school marked International and Multicultural Day, on Thursday, which involved a celebration of the rich diversity within the school community. Students and staff were invited to wear clothing representing their heritage, whether national colours, jerseys, or traditional dress. Spanish students in Transition Year prepared a selection of traditional Spanish dishes for sampling during the morning break, while students from the music department provided traditional Irish music at lunchtime. Throughout the day, members of the Amber Flag team led a series of cultural workshops. Ella Yu and Natanya Howey (both 5th-year students) introduced students to elements of the Chinese language by teaching students how to read and write. Brooklyn Catt (3rd year) delivered a cheerleading demonstration for her classmates in 3M, while Leah St. Ledger (5th year) taught hip-hop dance to students in 5M and 5R. These workshops provided an opportunity for students to engage with different cultures in an interactive and enjoyable way. In adding to the events and as part of the school's focus on positivity, a Promote Positivity Inspiration Chain was launched. The initiative aims to encourage students and staff to write uplifting messages for others to take and share. A special box was placed in the refectory where messages could be dropped off and picked up, ensuring a continuous circulation of encouragement throughout the school. Additionally, an interactive whiteboard was made available for students to leave positive and inspirational notes. The students and staff extended their commitment outside of school hours in concluding their Wellness Week of events as they attended J.F. K. Arboretum at the weekend to participate in the weekly Parkrun event. The event, which began at 9.30 a.m., provided a final opportunity for the school community to come together, get active, and round-off Wellbeing Week on a high note. "We'd like to say a huge well done to all those involved in organising and participating in this fantastic week of events and we look forward to more wellness events in the future,' a staff member commented.
BBC News
08-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Gloucestershire school's cycling challenge raises £6k for MND
A school has "smashed" its fundraising target in an ambitious cycling challenge to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).Pupils and staff at The King's School in Gloucestershire cycled 350 miles (563km) on static bikes and raised more than £6,000 for the 4Ed Cycling campaign first ran across three days in summer 2022, after Gloucester Rugby player Ed Slater announced his diagnosis with latest challenge formed part of Wellbeing Week, from 3-7 February, where pupils were encouraged to help others and look after their physical and mental health. Pupils and staff came together to keep the wheels spinning from 08:00 to 17:00 GMT every school managed to average about 70 miles (112km) each day on three static bikes set up on the Rugby coach George Skivington and captain Lewis Ludlow even turned up on Monday to help rack up the miles."The pupils were absolutely delighted to see them," said head teacher George Morton."The players got on the bikes and they did four or five miles each to catch up to the total." Ed Slater, his wife Jo, and Mr Ludlow joined staff and students at their assembly to discuss the campaign and how the money raised will go towards helping families affected by MND. What is Motor Neurone Disease? MND affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Progression of the disease can be rapid and there is currently no than half of those affected die within two years of being charity helps provide affected families with access to psychological and financial support, as well vital mobility equipment, changes to the home, family days out, and respite care. Mr Morton said the event had been a "massive success", having initially aimed to raise just £5,000."They smashed their target on the bikes and managed to reach £6,042."Some were there after school in the cold and the fog. There were two groups of staff who went out on their actual bikes on the road as well."Some of [the money] will be used to support families that are living with MND, and some of it will be used for research to work towards eventually finding a cure."
