Hollyoaks Episode Highlights Need For Dedicated Support For Young Transgender People During Mental Health Awareness Week

Hollyoaks continue to work with LGBT Foundation and Samaritans as Ro Hutchinson Calls LGBTQ+ emergency helpline during Mental Health Awareness Week

The episode – written and featuring transgender actor and writer Emma Frankland – reflects the struggles of young people going through gender transition.

Hollyoaks has aired a key episode in the long-running story of Ro Hutchinson’s gender transitioning, highlighting the importance of positive peer support and specific LGBTQ+ dedicated aid.

The episode, aired Monday 12th May, follows teenager Ro Hutchison (Ava Webster she/her) who has been exploring his gender identity and began socially transitioning last year with the support of his parents, Tony (Nick Pickard he/him) and Diane (Alex Fletcher she/her).

However, Ro, has increasingly suffered in recent months, with limited medical support available due to his age and, more recently, being subjected to horrific bullying at the hands of fellow pupil Arlo.

Ro has been receiving messages of transphobic abuse, causing him to self-harm with alcohol and recently being taunted to take his own life.

He had found solace in an LGBTQ+ online forum connecting with new friend, Nina who encourages Ro to attend a trans support group, which mum Diane also decides to attend.

However, when things take a turn in his personal life, Ro decides not to go, as he reaches a crisis point and contemplates suicide. In a key moment, Ro follows the good advice of friend Kathleen Angel, who has done the right thing in suggesting seeking help.

Ro calls an LGBTQ+ helpline. The support he receives during this call helps him take steps toward safety.  The helpline scene is portrayed from both Ro’s perspective and that of the helpline volunteer.

The role of Eve, the call handler, is played by Emma Frankland (she/her), an award-winning writer, theatre maker and performer whose work has often focused on issues around gender identity. Hollyoaks writer Emma also wrote the episode.

A video interview with Emma will be released across Hollyoaks‘ social media platforms during Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May), where she will share more about the inspiration for the storyline.

Emma said: “Having spoken to Samaritans, Papyrus and LGBT Switchboard, the crossover of what everybody said was so similar.

“They are volunteers mostly; they’re giving up their time to be there because we know the power that a conversation has to change someone’s path and to alter the route that they’re on….

“I’m really happy we’re showing Ro in this truthful recognisable place and we’re showing that there is an alternative and there is hope…

Having met with real volunteers, I felt strongly that I wanted to play that part, and I think it was exciting having three guest roles in this episode, all of whom were trans.”

Joining Emma, who has acted in BBC drama Silent Witness, in the episode, are guest characters Matt and Nina. Nina is played by Mattie Packer (she/her) and support worker Matt is played by Oliver Wickham (they/he). Mattie has previously appeared in ‘Casualty’ and Oliver has roles in Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ and BBC’s ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ and ‘Cheaters’.

Alex Matheson (she/her), Director of Inclusion at LGBT Foundation said: “We’re proud to have worked with Hollyoaks to shape Ro’s journey, reflecting the lived experiences of many trans people. The upcoming scenes – where Ro finds community, attends a support group, and reaches out to a helpline – highlight the hope and well-being that support services can bring.

LGBTQ+ helplines and support services like those provided by LGBT Foundation offer a safe, confidential space for anyone exploring their gender identity – whether at the start of their journey, facing uncertainty, or simply needing someone to talk to. They’re also a vital source of help for loved ones wanting to better support trans and non-binary people.

Airing during Mental Health Awareness Week, this storyline is a powerful reminder that no one has to navigate their journey alone. We’re grateful to Hollyoaks for working with us and LGBTQ+ communities to ensure this story feels true to life and shows the incredible impact that free-to-access helplines and support services can have.

Monica Hawley (she/her), Media Adviser at Samaritans:

“Samaritans is pleased to have supported Hollyoaks in ensuring that Ro’s journey reflects the real experiences of people in a mental health crisis. The inclusion of a helpline call in this storyline highlights the importance of reaching out for support when things feel overwhelming and the positive impact this can have, even if you feel like things are hopeless.

“Experiencing suicidal thoughts can feel incredibly isolating, particularly when also facing bullying and discrimination. Storylines like these remind the public that support is out there and no-one has to face their struggles alone.”

For help and support, please visit channel4.com/support