May 8 2024 – Ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2024 in Luton at the end of May, BBC Radio 1 will host an extensive programme of outreach activities for young people across the area.

Taking place from Sunday 12 May to Wednesday 15 May, each session will be hosted by Radio 1’s Life Hacks presenters, Lauren Layfield and Shanequa Paris, who will speak to a range of experts and people with lived experience across four panels – each delving into a different health issue that affects young people across the UK, to offer help and advice for those that need it.

The topics and venues for the four panels are as follows:

Sunday 12 May: Mental Health: Our Minds Unpacked

How can we openly talk about mental health?
• Guests: Jeanette Skipsey (Mind) and more!
• Venue: STEM Building, University of Bedfordshire, Luton
• Time: 11:30 – 12:30

Monday 13 May: Financial Health: Stacking Up: Money on the Mind

How can we remove the awkwardness from discussions about money?
• Guests: Lauren Napper (@Lnappyslife), Tasha Case (Tokko) and more!
• Venue: Tokko Youth Space, Luton
• Time: 12:00 – 13:00

Tuesday 14 May: Physical Health: Our Bodies Count

The pressure to conform to certain physical standards can complicate our relationship with our bodies.
• Guests: Dr Naushin Hossain, Man V Fat Football Luton, Ash Naseem (Luton Womens and Girls Cricket Club) and more!
• Venue: Lewsey Sports Park, Luton
• Time: 12:00 – 13:00

Wednesday 15 May: Personal Safety: Protection if Priceless

How can we protect ourselves from risks beyond our control, and how can we recover from trauma?
• Guests: Roseann Taylor (Just Drop It), Debra Knight (Nine Red Presents) and Kelsie Holdstock (Luton Sexual Health)
• Venue: STEM Building, University of Bedfordshire, Luton
• Time: 12:00 – 13:00

Tune in to Radio 1’s Life Hacks throughout the week as Lauren and Shanequa dive into insightful reflections from the panels earlier in the day, highlighting key takeaways from their time in Luton. They’ll journey deeper into the topics, where audiences across the UK can participate by asking questions. The shows will explore the importance, impact and struggles the nation faces when it comes to all things health. The Radio 1 Life Hacks specials will be broadcast:

• Sunday 12 May, 16:00 – 18:00
• Monday 13 May, 20:00 – 22:00
• Tuesday 14 May, 20:00 – 22:00
• Wednesday 15 May, 20:00 – 22:00

Lauren Layfield says: “Events like these are what set Radio 1 apart. Every week on Life Hacks we talk about the issues young people face but we’re buzzing to get out the studio, head to Luton, talk through the big stuff with you all and get hyped for Big Weekend!”

Shanequa Paris says: “I’m so excited to have these important conversations in Luton, us young people need an outlet to talk about our mental health, physical health and things we go through everyday. We’ll be hosting panels throughout the week so if you’re about, stop by and join us!”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “We’re incredibly proud of the outreach programmes that we offer in the lead up to our Big Weekend events. This year focuses on a range of health topics affecting our listeners in Luton and across the UK. We’re aiming to create a safe space for people to discuss and learn more about these issues and I’m extremely grateful to the experts and organisations that help us to deliver these panels and offer a valuable and insightful programme.”

Over 100 artists and 100,000 music fans are expected to be in attendance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2024. So far, fans can expect to see big names such as Coldplay, Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Aitch, Mabel, Rudimental and more, perform across the weekend.

The final lineup for Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2024 will be announced on Tuesday 14 May.