Caring Matters is a week-long spotlight on caring across the BBC, bringing together programming to reflect the realities of caring in the UK today. From the end of May the BBC will shine a light on the experiences of carers and volunteers and the role they play in families and communities across the country.
At the heart of the week is a new iPlayer and BBC One series, Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together, which follows Natalie Cassidy as she joins a cohort of trainees for a qualification in caring. Best known for playing Sonia Fowler on EastEnders, Natalie Cassidy will be taking on a new role, fulfilling her long standing ambition to train as a carer, including time spent with St John Ambulance to highlight the importance of first aid.
Natalie will be enrolling at one of the UK’s top Health & Social Care colleges where, across eight episodes, she’ll study, train, and work alongside health and social care students, care professionals, volunteers and home carers - facing the realities, the heartbreak, and the joy of caring. As part of her investigation into those that give their time to care and support others Natalie spent time with volunteers from St John Ambulance, filming sessions of CPR with young trainees, getting a tour of an ambulance and attending an event with first-responders.
Episode of Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together featuring St John Ambulance will air on BBC One 1st June 14:00, and available on BBC iPlayer from 1st June.
