Radio City’s Mental Health Monday Marathon from 9am today
Radio City is marking officially the “most depressing day of the year” by broadcasting a 24 hour live radio show on its Radio City Talk station focusing on mental health, helping to raise much needed awareness with what will be the longest ever radio broadcast dedicated to the subject.
On Monday 15th January 2018, award winning journalist Mick Coyle will embark on an unprecedented challenge to tackle the stigma around mental health with a full day’s worth of radio broadcasting to shine a light on the issue.
Starting at 9am, he’ll be joined by special guests, politicians and mental health service providers to open the lid on mental health, exploring why it’s still seen as a taboo subject, and what can be done to improve services across the UK.
He’ll also hear first-hand accounts of what life is like living with a mental health problem from guests including high-profile celebrities who have experienced struggles in their everyday lives. These will be kicked off at 10am by former professional footballer Clarke Carlisle, whose attempt to take his own life was sadly well documented in the newspapers. He’ll talk about his experience of mental health along with his wife – and to show there is a light at the end of even the darkest tunnel, they will be attending with their new baby.
Also taking part will be prominent mental health campaigner and president of Labour mental health, Luciana Berger MP, and rugby league stars Danny Sculthorpe and Phil Veivers, both of whom have been open about their struggles with mental health.
And fellow sports star, darts-player James Wade, has bravely agreed to discuss his own battles with bipolar disorder and ADHD, which threatened his career and life before he sought treatment and eventually became an ambassador for Bipolar UK.
Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive of the PFA, will also take part, offering an insight into the many issues both professional and former professional footballers face – and the steps taken to help them.
Outside of the sporting world, guests include McFly star Harry Judd will appear on the show, discussing how an addiction to marijuana opened him up to anxiety, paranoia and OCD – and how he controls his issues through exercise and healthy living.
Coyle will also welcome musician Bill Ryder-Jones, formerly of The Coral, to the studio during his marathon broadcast.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of leading mental health charity, Mind will also visit the studio to offer advice and an overview of the types of treatment available to listeners who may want to seek help.
Coyle will complete the broadcast at 9am on Tuesday 16th January, in what will be the biggest ever radio show of its kind, and the biggest undertaking in Bauer News history.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mick Coyle said:
“You often hear people say it’s hard to talk about mental health, but we want to show how easy it can be by doing it for 24 hours straight.
“Over the last year, our weekly Mental Health radio feature and Podcast has shown there is a real desire for people to hear more about mental illnesses, delivered in an open and honest way.”
“15th January is officially known as the “most depressing day of the year”, so there’s no better day to raise this vital issue.”
The full 24 hours will be hosted on Radio City’s talk station “Radio City Talk”. It will also be broadcast on Facebook Live, with updates across Radio City and the Bauer Network throughout the day.
Visit www.radiocity.co.uk for more.