This week sees the first episode aired of new Channel 4 drama “Help”. Starring Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham, the story is about the relationship between a care home worker and one of her patients and the challenges they faced with the arrival of the Covid19 pandemic. The first episode airs on Thursday 16th September at 9pm.
It’s not without nervousness and unsteady emotion that we’ll be tuning in to watch. Our own memories of this period feel still so fresh, and the pain still raw. But we have optimism and faith that screenwriter Jack Thorne has committed truth and accuracy to this tragic telling, with all it’s pains, fails and successes in all their forms.
30,000 people have died unnecessarily in these care homes because of the indifference and incompetence of our government. Hearing the stories of those at the frontline, having people break down in tears on zoom in front of us has been incredibly moving and galling.
Getting the story right will be incredibly important, we are aware of the pressure upon us, this has to be written and made with anger and precision. We hope to do it justice
Screenwriter – Jack Thorne
“Help” is sure to bring back a lot of memories and emotions for family and friends of those affected, as well as all of the professionals and volunteers who were involved in providing help at this unprecedented time. Bringing the role of the Health and Social Care worker to the forefront and the critical roles that our sector workforce provide… we hope that this story will help motivate positive change and a new level of understanding on some of the challenges the sector is tackling.
A brief synopsis of the show is available at the RadioTimes.com website here.
Will you be tuning in to watch this Thursday? We’re confident Channel 4 will likely provide a support helpline for anyone affected by each episode, but we’re keen to hear your views of the show and the topics covered over the coming weeks.