Moneer, 12, has a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome. When he loses his mother to cancer, the teachers struggle to help him deal with his feelings and manage his violent behaviour. Roxanne, also 12, just wants to be a normal teenager, but her realisation that autism is for life is extremely painful. Roy, 18, is trying to make sense of the world during his last year at school, but what he really wants is a girlfriend. And Esther, also 18, has a special gift for explaining the autistic world.
Steven Liddell lives at home with his parents and his pregnant girlfriend, Katie. A cheery lad who models himself on rock stars, Steven is undergoing chemo for cancer that has spread from his testicle. He must cope with a protective mother, an anxious girlfriend and, most of all, a glimpse of his own mortality. Director Patrick Collerton underwent treatment for testicular cancer in the very same ward five years ago. His humorous and emotional documentary explains the mysteries of chemotherapy and explores the themes of mortality and friendship, revealing what daily life is like on the cancer ward, and what effect the illness has had on the young people involved.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Botton, and some of its residents have been there since the beginning. Co-workers, too, opt into a long-term commitment to share their homes and their lives with up to eight adults with special needs; it's certainly not a lifestyle for the intolerant or impatient. While the community appears to have been a success, it has also been controversial among some social work professionals who believe that people with learning difficulties do better when integrated into the wider community. The moving, tender and sometimes funny film charts the day-to-day life of this remarkable place and the people who live there. And it follows long-term resident Barry as he decides to leave the community and re-enter the 'real world'; but can he cope with the harsh reality of life away from Botton?
Micky is 19 and like most boys his age he wants to have sex and meet 'a nice tall, blonde girl with big boobs'. But his full-on ADHD behaviour does not go down too well with the ladies. Louisa is 31 and wants to meet somebody who shares her dislikes of wasps and spicy curries. But she has problems with her memory and lives in supported accommodation. Apu is 35 and has never been on a date before. But all this could be about to change as Micky, Apu and Louisa are three of over 200 clients signed up to Britain's most unique dating agency - Stars in the Skies - set up by and for adults with learning difficulties. Truly Madly Deeply follows five months in the lives of these curious individuals as they pluck up the courage to actively explore the daunting world of love, sex and relationships for themselves.
Documentary following the women of the Pansies Breast Cancer Support Group who have all been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Documentary about people who suffer from Prader-Willi Syndrome. This rare disorder makes the sufferer unable to control their eating habits.
Recent studies suggest that as many as one in four GP consultations are taken up by the 'worried well', or hypochondriacs as these people are often labelled. But now this condition has a name: Health Anxiety Disorder. Can it be cured? This compelling film follows these sufferers as they undergo an intensive period of cognitive behavioral therapy at a country retreat, administered by the Maudsley hospital's Dr Florian Ruths. Will it make them better, or will they remain uncured, destined to spend the rest of their lives in and out of their doctors' surgeries?
Sophie is currently training as a kitchen hand, but she is inclined to wander. Daniel, also training in the kitchen, has his eye on Michelle from housekeeping but she is going out with Ben. And Tom, a former catering student, is back for some sea air and a trip down memory lane. Welcome to Foxes Academy, the strangest hotel in Britain. Situated on the seafront in Minehead, and where the majority of the staff have learning difficulties, Foxes Hotel is open to fee-paying guests all year round and to students with special needs who stay for three years to learn all aspects of the hotel and catering industry. But attending classes and working their way around the hotel are only part of the experience for the yearly intake. These lively students also learn how to be independent for the first time and how to cope with the ups and downs that go hand in hand with living away from home and with members of the opposite sex.
The internet has brought a revolution to British pensioners looking for love. Tens of thousands of aging men and women are now using it to seek romance, build relationships and escape loneliness. The myth of pensioners quietly sipping Ovaltine in their carpet slippers is over, with most dating websites including pages of postings from people with usernames like 'techno-granddad'...
