BBC Radio 1 launches outreach programme ahead of Big Weekend

BBC Radio 1 is to host a programme of outreach activities focussed on mental health for young people across Dundee.

Taking place just before Radio 1’s Big Weekend in the city, the programme will give young people the opportunity to attend workshops and panel discussions alongside experts from local charities who will offer their insights, stories and experiences, and lead discussions on the key issues around mental health.

Each session will delve into different issues which are affecting young people in the UK with stories from those who have faced mental health struggles, as well as experts offering the audience help and advice on how to look after their wellbeing.

The sessions will be hosted by Radio 1 presenters Vick Hope and Katie Thistleton and will take place in popular locations across the city.

Vick and Katie will also broadcast their Radio 1 Life Hacks show from Dundee from Monday 15 May – Thursday 18 May (8pm-10pm) where they will discuss the topics from each daily panel. The conversations from each panel will also be reflected across Radio 1 throughout the week.

Katie Thistleton says: “Life Hacks is a show where we debate topics that are important to each other and share advice to make each other feel better, our listeners are amazing and I’m really looking forward to doing these special Life Hacks shows in Dundee, getting to know the locals ahead of Big Weekend and talking about the stuff that really matters.”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “This year’s outreach programme in Dundee focusses on an incredibly important topic affecting a vast majority of our listeners. We aim to get young people talking about mental health; to reduce the stigma around mental illness and to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues that affect young people.

“I’m hugely grateful to the number of experts, charities and organisations who will be helping in the programme, it will be an extremely valuable and insightful week.”

Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2023 outreach programme will take place during this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week making the theme of mental health more prevalent than ever.

The topics and venues for the four panels are as follows:

• Date: Monday 15th May. Venue: Abertay University. Topic: Why do I feel like I don’t fit in and how do I find my people?
• Date: Tuesday 16th May. Venue: University of Dundee. Topic: Dealing with pressure
• Date: Wednesday 17th May. Venue: Hot Chocolate Trust. Topic: Handling things you can’t control
• Date: Thursday 18th May. Venue: V&A Museum. Topic: Why it’s important to fail

More information about how to attend the sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2023 outreach programme has been supported by BBC Scotland, Dundee City Council, Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary action as well as various venues across the city which are holding the workshops.