Content Focus: Headroom
- Published: 21 May 2008 08:16
- Last Updated: 21 May 2008 08:16
The BBC has enlisted two stars to offer advice to users as part of a mental health campaign.
The format
The BBC is using the garrulous Ruby Wax and Kathy Sykes from BBC2's Alternative Therapies as regular advisors on a new website, Headroom, which will form one element of a new multiplatform campaign that aims to help people look after their mental health.
Wax, who is training as a psychotherapist, will act as online advisor and agony aunt to individuals using the site. A section called Ruby's Room will host her weekly three-minute webcast, where she will invite viewers to email their problems, experiences or views on a particular mental health issue.
Sykes presents four short films called The Wellbeing Guides, which cover topics such as stress and anxiety.
Another element of the site, Mind Spa, asks people to assess their mental wellbeing through interactive zones looking at mood, self esteem, social life, food and fitness and drink.
Campaign executive Nina Bell explains: "We know that one in four people are likely to suffer some kind of mental health problem during their lives... we want to start breaking the [mental heath stigma] down in simple, practical ways."
The site will aggregate the BBC's mental health coverage and will also show short films from celebrities and user-generated content.
The wider campaign will also include on-air programming and outdoor events. Its first exposure was the Headroom Tent at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Maidstone last weekend and the campaign continues with BBC3 series Make My Body Younger.
Who's behind it?
The site is part of a campaign created by BBC learning, headed by Nina Bell. The zones were developed by Peter Kinderman, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Liverpool. Dr Marcia Worrell, a senior psychology lecturer at Roehampton University, advised on the Headroom Wellbeing Guides.
Where can I find it?
www.bbc.co.uk/headroom
