Arthur Cares

In 2019, in a documentary for Radio 4, 11-year-old Arthur tried to fix his dad’s life. We heard how Arthur likes dinosaurs and plays the cello. His dad, Babak, avoids the gym, drinks and has panic attacks. For three weeks, Arthur set about trying to improve his dad’s life, tackling health, a messy flat and the biggest challenge - how to ride a bike.

Arthur now 12, about to turn 13, wants to help more people. He is still wise beyond his years, his self-deprecating comedic humility balances the seriousness of life. Five people, with minor problems, are looking for Arthur’s advice.

Perhaps there has never been a greater need for guidance. Self-help fills bookshops, conference rooms, gyms and therapist offices - telling people to help themselves is big business. And yet, somehow, this doesn't seem to work.

Perhaps the real guidance can come from the idealistic mind of Arthur?

Originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4, during December 2020

Produced by Barney Rowntree and Katie Callin
Research by Tess Davidson