Brand new wellbeing stream Radio 1 Relax launches on BBC Sounds

22 April 2021 - Press release

Today marks the launch of Radio 1 Relax, a brand new 24-hour stream to help listeners unwind on BBC  Sounds. 

The new stream will launch with an 11-hour simulcast across Radio 1 and Radio 1 Relax beginning at 5pm BST today (Thursday 22 April), with Radio 1’s Nick Grimshaw and Annie Mac teaming up to co-host for the first hour. 

Radio 1 Relax will provide the ultimate destination for listeners to unwind, bringing the best well-being and relaxation focussed shows from across Radio 1 and BBC Sounds into a dedicated stream to help listeners deal with the challenges life can bring. Radio 1 Relax also reflects the BBC’s commitment to supporting audiences to manage their mental wellbeing following the launch of BBC Headroom in 2021. Featuring everything from sleepscapes and ASMR, to tips and mixes from some of the biggest stars in music and entertainment, the new stream offers something new and distinctly different for those looking to find moments of calm in their day-to-day. 

Radio 1 Relax brings listeners brilliant wellbeing content throughout the day, easily discoverable in one place. Those needing help to find their ‘get up and go’ for the day ahead can catch Get Set with Radio 1 (7 – 8am) fronted by YouTuber and CBBC presenter Joe Tasker and designed to guide listeners to strike six things from their to-do list through 10-minute motivational chunks. 

From 8 – 9am, Radio 1’s Motivate Me Mix will feature musicians, sports stars and other famous faces sharing their own advice and techniques on how to build and maintain mental fitness to weather difficult times. 

From 1 – 2pm, Radio 1's Decompression Session, a mindfulness journey hosted by breathwork expert and performance coach Stuart Sandeman, will equip young listeners with the skills they need to remain grounded no matter what life throws at them. 

From 4 – 6pm, listeners can tune into Radio 1’s Chillest Show with Sian Eleri. Sian landed her first regular slot on Radio 1 as presenter of the Chillest Show in January of this year, playing host to Radio 1’s iconic Piano Sessions and helping listeners unwind on Sunday nights. 

Every day from midnight – 2am, Radio 1 Relax will stream Deep Sleepcapes to help listeners unwind, rest and recharge, with an hour of ASMR to follow from 2 – 3am. The stream will also feature 14 soundscapes from David Attenborough’s series Seven Worlds, One Planet, with listeners taken on a journey across seven unique continents from Antarctica to Africa. 

Radio 1 Relax is the BBC’s second curated stream for BBC Sounds, and follows the launch of Radio 1 Dance in October 2020. Both new streams are designed to give young audiences even more flexibility to listen to their favourite BBC content outside of the more traditional linear schedules. 

Sian Eleri says: "I couldn't be happier to be a part of Radio 1 Relax. It goes without saying that the last 12 months have been incredibly challenging for so many of us, so having access to a new way of switching off from the world and tune out from the noise with incredible music and soothing soundscapes is going to be wonderful. I'm thrilled that I can continue to champion artists making the best chilled music out there, with its own platform at such an important time." 

Aled Haydn Jones (Head of Radio 1) says: “The challenges of the last year have meant more young people than ever are seeking out content centred around wellbeing and relaxation. The titles we’ve launched during the past twelve months with that in mind have proved incredibly popular, so I’m pleased we’re able to put it all into one stream on BBC Sounds, making it as easy as possible for our audience to find and enjoy.” 

Deirdre Kehoe (Director of Training and Services at YoungMinds) says: “The past year has been incredibly challenging for lots of young people. Many have told us that they’ve struggled to cope with the changes and loss of coping mechanisms brought on by the pandemic, and have experienced social isolation, anxiety, and fears around their future.

“We welcome Radio 1’s focus on creating content that supports young people’s mental health and helps them unwind. Advice about how to look after yourself during difficult times, as well as tips on mindfulness and meditation, can be helpful for some young people when they feel overwhelmed or anxious, and we hope that this is of benefit to them at this time.”

Dr Antonis Kousoulis (Mental Health Foundation Director for England and Wales) says: “Programming that helps young people to manage their emotions, find their energy and get the sleep they need is extremely welcome and much needed. Our research shows that young adults are among those whose mental health has been worst affected by the pandemic - they have been among the loneliest, most hopeless and most stressed, for instance. So we are very glad to see this targeted support for them and hope it reaches a wide audience.”

Monday – Saturday

2 – 3am: ASMR

3 – 4am: 1Xtra R&B Chill Mix with Nadia Jae

4 – 6am: Focus Beats

6 – 7am: The Chill Mix

7 – 8am: Get Set with Radio 1

8 – 9am: Radio 1’s Motivate Me Mix

9 – 10am: Radio 1 Relax

10 – 11am: Radio 1’s Classical Movie Mixtape with Ali Plumb

11am – midday: Radio 1’s Chillout Anthems

Midday – 1pm: Radio 1 Relax

1 – 2pm: Radio 1’s Decompression Session with Stuart Sandeman

2 – 3pm: 1Xtra R&B Chill Mix with Nadia Jae

3 – 4pm: The Power Down Playlist

4 – 6pm: Radio 1’s Chillest Show with Sian Eleri

6 – 8pm: Lose Yourself with…

8 – 9pm: Radio 1’s Power Down Playlist with Annie Mac (simulcast with Radio 1 on Monday only)

9 – 10pm: Radio 1’s Decompression Session with Stuart Sandeman

10pm – midnight: Radio 1’s Wind Down

Midnight – 2am: Deep Sleepscapes

 

Sunday

As Monday – Saturday, excluding 6 – 9pm which runs as below:

6 – 7pm: Lose Yourself with…

7 – 9pm: Radio 1’s Chillest Show with Sian Eleri (simulcast with Radio 1)