Lauren Laverne has reminded followers that it's not just physical health that can suffer in the coronavirus crisis.
The popular Six Music presenter reached out to listeners on Twitter on Saturday to ask how her breakfast show could help support the "emotional/mental health" of listeners forced to stay at home due to rapidly-spreading covid-19, or afraid because of it.
Wearside-born Lauren wrote: "We’re back on air on Monday as usual. Though of course Monday is going to be anything but usual. I feel like a small part that we can play at this incredibly difficult moment is to do our best to support our listeners’ emotional/mental health as best we can by offering music and a sense of community.
"I’m working on next week’s shows with my team but I felt it was appropriate to ask listeners for your input. I have had tons of messages from people who are understandably anxious/overwhelmed/scared.
"Of course we have so many listeners who are immunocompromised/carers/NHS workers/ key workers who are facing an unprecedented challenge and there will be many more who are worried for their livelihoods."
She offered to do what she could for people forced to stay at home "perhaps with the radio as their only company".
She said: "The lucky ones (I include myself here) will be wondering what they can do that is constructive for their communities. So I’m asking - what can we do that will make your day more manageable?..
"Can we play you a track? Can we mention someone you love on air and say how brilliant they are? Can we pay tribute to someone in your life who is working hard to help others through this crisis? Can we talk about how you are managing and what is helping you through?
"I’m up for all of that. It’s not much but it is something. Leave a message here and I will do my best on air - Monday from 7.30 - led by you. In the meantime I wish love and as peaceful a weekend as possible to all."
Her offer went down well with listeners, who tweeted their thanks for the message and shared stories of having to go into isolation.
One follower replied: "I think keeping up the positivity and showing you care about your listeners is going to help. The news is so pervasive and scary, it's going to help to hear people being fun, light hearted and cheery. It makes a huge difference for morale! Stay safe!"
And another said: "Radio is the greatest medium in the world because of this. Only radio can offer that companionship... Help us feel we're not alone."
