Stations across Bauer Media’s Hits Radio Network are coming together on Christmas Day to broadcast a very special show. Supported by the government’s mental health initiative, Better Health-Every Mind Matters, Christmas Together will unite listeners across the UK to provide companionship and entertainment to those who may be feeling lonely this Christmas. The special festive show will air during Christmas lunch, from 1pm-4pm.
Hosted by Steve Furnell, Christmas Together will broadcast across The Hits Radio Network, which reaches 6.6m listeners every week. Research shows that radio keeps 84% of people in the UK company, which is why Christmas Together will help support anyone who may be feeling lonely or isolated this Christmas time. Stars including Tom Grennan, George Ezra, Fleur East, Jason Manford and Mo Gilligan will join the show, taking part in an interactive quiz – which anyone listening can play along with online. There will also be an exclusive cover of a Christmas classic from British pop star Ella Henderson and several more special surprises.
Throughout Christmas Together, mental health campaign Better Health-Every Mind Matters will provide helpful tips and resources to help listeners lift someone out of loneliness, by encouraging small acts of kindness which in turn can help us all to feel less lonely this festive season. Listeners can also generate a Mind Plan, where they can get a personalised, mental health action plan with practical tips to deal with loneliness, anxiety and stress, boost their mood and sleep better. You can find out more about Better Health-Every Mind Matters and the help they can provide here.
Paul Gerrard, Hits Radio Programme Director said: “Even before the recent pandemic, radio has long been a source of comfort and companionship for so many people across the UK suffering from loneliness. And that feeling can be heightened on a day like Christmas Day when the focus is very much on spending time with family and friends. Christmas Together is our way of offering that companionship and comfort and we’d love as many people as possible to listen in take part in the quiz, get in touch with Steve, use the advice and help from Every Mind Matters online resources and hopefully feel that there are people out there who understand and want to listen.”
Minister for Mental Health, Maria Caulfield said: “The festive period for many of us is a time to rest and reconnect with loved ones, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a lonely time for some too. It’s fantastic to see such big names stepping up for the Christmas Together show, bringing some much needed festive cheer to people who might need a boost. This Christmas and New Year’s, be kinder to your mind and if you’re struggling with your mental health, visit the Better Health-Every Mind Matters website for free expert advice and support.”
Minister for Loneliness, Stuart Andrew said: “During the festive period it is important to remember that loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. The Christmas Together show is an excellent way to bring the country together and to offer dedicated support to those who may feel particularly isolated. Better Health-Every Mind Matters also offers a range of practical tools to help combat loneliness, and I would urge anyone struggling to make the most of this excellent resource and to remember that you are not alone, and that help is available.”
The idea for Christmas Together comes following Bauer Media’s own mental health initiative ‘Where’s Your Head At?’. Launched in 2018 ‘Where’s Your Head At?’ aims to provide support, tools and techniques and advice to anyone in the workplace struggling with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Find out more at christmastogether.co.uk.
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For further press information contact:
Beth McDonald – Communications Manager, Bauer Media Audio
E: beth.mcdonald@bauermedia.co.uk / M: 07513 823 447
Amelia O’Shea – Head of Communications, Bauer Media Audio UK
E: amelia.oshea@bauermedia.co.uk / M: 07718 489 342
About Hits Radio
Hits Radio is an exciting digital radio station for the UK, available on DAB Digital Radio, Freeview, online and via listen apps. Home to The Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Fleur East, James and Matt. The UK Chart Show with Sarah Jane Crawford and The Hits Radio Throwback, Hits Radio is the only national commercial radio station to be broadcast out of Manchester.
Aimed at an audience of 25-44 year olds, Hits Radio is there to connect with listeners that lead busy and chaotic lives, by providing an entertaining and fun escape. Bursting with huge tunes and big personalities, Hits Radio is led by a team of original, authentic presenters who love to surprise and entertain listeners, but above all love music. Featuring a soundtrack of the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, Hits Radio is part of the Hits Radio Network.
About Hits Radio Network
The Hits Radio Network reaches a national audience of 25-44 year olds. It is home to Hits Radio, a brand new national station which plays the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks. The network is also home to strong heritage brands, including Newcastle’s Metro, Birmingham‘s Free, Liverpool’s Radio City, Glasgow’s Clyde 1 and Edinburgh’s Forth 1.
About Better Health – Every Mind Matters
Better Health – Every Mind Matters is a campaign and digital resource designed to empower people to look after their mental wellbeing and support that of others. It focuses on promoting mental wellbeing as well as addressing the four most commonly-reported, subclinical mental health concerns: anxiety, low mood, stress and trouble sleeping. The programme offers a range of evidence-based self-care actions and resources designed to help people take care of their own mental health, address loneliness and prevent common concerns from escalating into mental health disorders. At its heart is the free, NHS-approved Mind Plan, available on the website. By answering five short questions people get a personalised mental health action plan, providing practical tips to help them deal with loneliness, stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control.
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