REPORTED MISSING, BBC1, 9pm
IN the last of the series, we are given more real-life stories about people who have been reported missing. This documentary series has been worthy in presenting missing persons cases (“mispers” as they’re known to the police) which don’t follow the usual sensationalist stereotype.
We all know the cases which will attract most media attention and public sympathy are those of young children, but the police are obliged to work hard in finding every misper. However, we usually only hear of a handful.
This series shows cases involving older people too, something which seems to be on the rise with our ageing population, some of whom have dementia. Tonight we hear the story of Archie, an 82-year-old who has recently been widowed and is particularly vulnerable. He went out for a stroll and his son has called the police as Archie hasn’t come back and his house is lying empty and silent. Darlington police check nearby CCTV and have reason to suspect foul play.
BEING BLACK, GOING CRAZY?, BBC1, 11.45pm
THIS is a very blunt title for what is a very difficult subject. Black people in the UK are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness than white people, and this documentary asks why.
You might also ask why such an important topic has been shoved into a slot close to midnight, especially in today’s climate when we’re supposed to be more open about mental illness and working to remove the stigma which clings stubbornly to it.
Keith Dube is a blogger and radio presenter who has experienced mental health troubles. In his film, he meets young black people who have also suffered, and talks to those in the health service. Help is desperately needed when we consider a black man is six times more likely than a white man to find himself in a psychiatric ward.
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