Radio A Force For Good: Supporting the nation’s mental health

Radio has been a force for good in the darkest of times, supporting the nation like a reliable friend you don’t have to socially distance from. In the run up to World Radio Day on Saturday 13^th February, Radiocentre is looking at five reasons why radio has been a #ForceForGood over the past year, and calling on radio stations and listeners across the UK to share their own reasons, by posting with the hashtag and tagging @Radiocentre.

Radio is a powerful medium, which connects listeners across the nation with an intimate yet shared experience. Throughout the course of the week, we’ve looked at various stats and facts which show radio as an important medium for making people happy, keeping people connected, providing people with trusted news and supporting vital causes. A trend which links all of these forces for good is radio’s ability to support listeners.

The pandemic has undeniably impacted the nation’s mental health, with many people struggling with isolation and loneliness, and radio has been there to support listeners as best it can. Radio is a medium which connects listeners, it’s what makes it such an important platform for continuing the national conversation on mental health. For the past three years Radiocentre has collaborated with The Royal Foundation, to create the Mental Health Minute. This message has played out across every radio station in the UK, reaching over 20 million people. The 2020 Mental Health Minute was the most important to date, at a time when the country was struggling more than ever with its mental health, it simply reminded people that we are all connected and no one is alone. The simulcast spread an important message and also raised awareness for mental health charities and the services that they provide.

Another way in which UK radio stations worked to support their listeners during the pandemic was the cross-industry series, 60 Second Support. Over the course of several months the series shared advice and resources for looking after mental health, and broadcast on over 100 radio stations. The campaign brought together the UK’s leading mental health charities to educate and inform the nation.

Whilst these initiatives won’t solve the mental health issues that the pandemic has created, they will have at least helped many listeners in need of support, advice or reassurance. Radio will always be there as a friend in the corner of the room, and as an industry we understand the importance of the platform to support mental health organisations.  

Share your examples of how radio has been a force for good by posting with the hashtag #ForceForGood and tagging @Radiocentre.

World Radio Day 2021 is on Saturday 13^th February. The celebration is run by UNESCO and more information is available here.