logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
21m 9s

Peer support: Opening up about mental he...

BBC Radio
About this episode

When our mental health is fragile at work it can often be difficult to know who to talk to, where to get help or just find someone to listen without judgement.

It can be helpful to talk to someone who understands the pressures of the work environment but isn't necessarily a close friend or team member. At the BBC, this role is fulfilled by members of the Peer Support Network.

In this podcast the BBC's Chief Medical Officer Dr Clare Fernandes talks to peer supporter and South-East Today Presenter Natalie Graham.

You'll learn about: - how peer supporters can support mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, stress or crisis situations in work - what a BBC peer supporter is - and what they're not - other support available at the BBC, including the Employee Assistance programme

A transcript is available on the programme page for this podcast.

This episode is part of the BBC Academy series on wellbeing and mental health in the workplace.

Though this podcast is aimed at BBC staff, you might find some of the content helpful if you work, or would like to work, elsewhere in the broadcast media industry.

Help and support BBC Staff can find out more about peer support by searching for 'peer support' on Gateway.

You can find further mental health and wellbeing resources by searching for BBC Headroom and listening to further episodes in this series on the BBC Academy podcast feed on BBC Sounds.

If you're outside of the BBC and need immediate help please contact the BBC Action Line or Samaritans. Staff can contact the Employee Assistance Programme by searching for it on Gateway.

Credits The podcast was presented by Dr Clare Fernandes and produced by Kasel Kundola.

Production support was from Helena Lyons. Exec producers for the BBC Academy were Ben Toone, Zoey Glasgow and Kirstie Andrews.

Up next
Jan 2024
Podcastology episode twelve: Future directions
We’ll look at where the medium is now, and where we think it's headed. We consider the future of podcasting, and what's coming next. What does the growing Gen Z audience want? Can technology make listening a more personal, tailored experience? Will your next podcast be presented ... Show More
27m 24s
Jul 2024
Minipods – Smartphone journalism episode five: Audio
Everything from mics and cables to acoustics and technique, BBC Academy Trainer, Marc Settle, shares advice on how to get that perfect recording every time. Dur: 18’40”Presented by Marc Settle. Produced by Sam Upton. 
19m 21s
Jul 2024
Minipods – Smartphone journalism episode four: Video part 2
Lighting, stability and zooming are the focus for BBC Academy trainer, Marc Settle. There’s more to filming great video than just pointing and shooting. Dur: 14’19”Presented by Marc Settle. Produced by Sam Upton. 
15m 18s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2023
Mental Health in the Workplace
Healthy//ToxicHealthy versus Toxic is a podcast where licensed mental health professionals explore what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy. Our hosts aim to provide a scientifically informed perspective on what factors go into making healthy relationships, how to build sec ... Show More
23m 28s
Oct 2023
Narcissists Pursuing Careers in Counseling
Cluster BThis show aims to educate the audience from a scientifically informed perspective about the major cluster B personality disorders: narcissism, histrionic, borderline, and antisocial. Want more mental health content? Check out our other Podcasts:Mental Health // Demystifi ... Show More
23m 12s
Feb 2024
College Student Mental Health 101
Jeff talks to Dr. Sarah Ketchen Lipson about common mental health concerns for college students and they discuss tips for recognizing and addressing these challenges and the conditions they can lead to. Jeff also asks Sarah some audience questions about typical campus resources f ... Show More
58m 26s
Dec 2023
Narcissism Exposure & Depression
Healthy//ToxicHealthy versus Toxic is a podcast where licensed mental health professionals explore what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy. Our hosts aim to provide a scientifically informed perspective on what factors go into making healthy relationships, how to build sec ... Show More
18m 11s
May 2023
Talking to Teens About Mental Health with The Jed Foundation (JED)
Most parents (and other adults) want to be able to talk to teenagers and young adults about mental health and mental illness. But, uncertainty and awkwardness often stop well-intentioned people from broaching the subject. In this episode, we discuss how to have these conversation ... Show More
28m 3s
Apr 2021
Janaya Future Khan On What Comes Up In The Ring
The Black Lives Matter International Ambassador on the power of trusting that you are doing the thing that's right over doing the thing that’s popular. More mental health support (via text) can be found at: https://www.crisistextline.org/ Additional Information on depression and ... Show More
1h 9m
Mar 2021
Let Me Explain
Who is Diane Guerrero and why is she talking about mental health? In this episode, we learn more about Diane’s personal experience and her commitment to making mental health a priority in communities nationwide, especially communities of color. Then for the very first time, Diane ... Show More
50m 3s
Jan 2024
Signs of a Good Counselor/Therapist
Healthy//ToxicHealthy versus Toxic is a podcast where licensed mental health professionals explore what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy. Our hosts aim to provide a scientifically informed perspective on what factors go into making healthy relationships, how to build sec ... Show More
16m 34s
Oct 2023
Are There Positive Aspects of Mental Disorders?
Cluster BThis show aims to educate the audience from a scientifically informed perspective about the major cluster B personality disorders: narcissism, histrionic, borderline, and antisocial. Want more mental health content? Check out our other Podcasts:Mental Health // Demystifi ... Show More
20m 7s
Dec 2023
Self-Hatred in Victims of Narcissism
Healthy//ToxicHealthy versus Toxic is a podcast where licensed mental health professionals explore what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy. Our hosts aim to provide a scientifically informed perspective on what factors go into making healthy relationships, how to build sec ... Show More
11m 32s