Here is a list of awareness days relevant to the health and social care sector, along with links to campaign details and useful resources to support your promotion efforts.

LGBT+ History Month – February

To promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public. LGBT+ History Month

Time To Talk Day – 6 February 2025

Getting people to talk about mental health and by doing so help change lives. Time to Change Suicide prevention

World Cancer Day – 4 February 2025

Aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by encouraging individuals to take action. World Cancer Day

National Apprenticeship Week- 3-9 February 2025

Annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships to shine a light on the amazing work being done by employers and apprentices across the country. Apprenticeships

Eating Disorder Awareness Week 28 February – 6 March 2025

An international awareness event, fighting the myths and misunderstandings that surround eating disorders. Beat Eating Disorders

Rare disease day – 28 February 2025

Rare disease day is a patient led day to working towards equality in healthcare, diagnosis and therapies

Brain Tumour Awareness Month – March

Raising vital awareness and funds to get closer to our vision of finding a cure for all types of brain tumours Brain Tumour Awareness Month

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – March

Ovarian cancer is a disease that can disrupt the normal function of the ovaries. If it’s left unchecked, it can affect other parts of the body too. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Zero Discrimination Day – 1 March 2025

Celebrated by the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations. Aims to promote equality throughout all member countries. UN Aids

International Women’s Day – 8 March

A global holiday celebrated annually to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. International Women’s Day

Healthcare Science Week – TBC 2025

Healthcare Science Week is an annual week-long programme designed to promote the work of healthcare science professionals.

Young Carers Action Day – 16 March 2025

Young Carers Action Day provides an opportunity for everyone to call for better support for young carers and young adult carers, and to bring about change.

National No Smoking Day – 12 March 2025

Help encourage as many smokers as possible to quit on No Smoking Day by organising your own event. British Heart Foundation

World Kidney Day – 13 March 2025

To help raise awareness of kidneys and educate people on what they do and how to improve your kidney health. World Kidney Day

World Sleep Day – 14 March 2025

A celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, social aspects and driving. World Sleep Day

Nutrition and Hydration Week – 17-23 March 2025

A shared objective to highlight, promote and celebrate improvements in the provision of nutrition and hydration locally, nationally and globally. Nutrition and Hydration Week

World Oral Health Day – 20 March

Celebrated globally every year on 20 March. Organised by FDI World Dental Federation. World Oral Health Day

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – 21 March

On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws. UN

World Down Syndrome Day – 21 March

Advocating for the rights of people with Down Syndrome.

World Autism Acceptance Week 2025

An opportunity to get involved in helping to create a society that supports autistic people. UN

International Transgender Day of Visibility – 31 March

Celebrating trans and non-binary people and aiming to raise awareness of discrimination faced by trans and non-binary people worldwide.

Stress Awareness Month – April

Increasing public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.

• • Stress Management Society

• • Supporting our NHS people

Lesbian Visibility Day – 26 April 2025

Recognises and celebrates the contributions of lesbians.

National Walking Month – May

Encourages people to walk more throughout May. Living Streets

International Day of the Midwife – 5 May 2025

A day to celebrate midwives and showcase key stories from your nursing workforce in your organisation. International Confederation of Midwives

World Hand Hygiene Day – 5 May 2025

Aiming to prevent healthcare-associated sepsis through hand hygiene and infection prevention and control action. WHO

International Nurses Day – 12 May 2025

A day to celebrate nurses and showcase key stories from your nursing workforce in your organisation. International Council of Nurses

Deaf Awareness Week – 5-11 May 2025

The aim of Deaf Awareness Week is to raise awareness of hearing loss in the UK and its impact on people’s lives.

National Day for Staff Networks – 14 May 2025

The National Day for Staff Networks aims to encourage collaboration, support aligned activity and further inspire the voice of network members.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day – 15 May 2025

To get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/ impairments. Global Accessibility Awareness Day

National Numeracy Day – 18 May 2025

Led by National Numeracy, this day involves different activities and events to encourage everyone to build their confidence with numbers.

International Human Resources Day – 20 May 2025

An international day of recognition for all the hardworking HR and people professionals around the world. International Human Resources Day

World Pre-Eclampsia Day – 1 May

A day raising awareness of the impact and causes of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia Day

Dying Matters Awareness Week – May 2025

A week to encourage all communities to have open conversations about dying. Dying Matters Awareness Week

Volunteers’ Week – 2-6 June 2025

The NHS is supported by around 2 million volunteers every year and most NHS organisations celebrate their contribution during National Volunteers’ Week. Volunteers’ Week

Bike Week – 10-18 June 2025

Encouraging people to get out cycling and switch to cycling as the best way to get around. Cycling Week

BNF Healthy Eating Week – 9-13 June 2024

Have 5 A Day; Drink plenty; Get active; and try something new. British Nutrition Foundation

Men’s Health Week – 9-15 June 2025

Led by the Men’s Health Forum to raise awareness of preventable health issues and encourage men and boys to seek professional advice for health-related problems. Men’s Health Forum Suicide prevention

World Blood Donor Day – 14 June

Raising awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. Give Blood

Learning Disability Week – 16-22 June 2025

Raising awareness about the issues that are important to people with a learning disability and their families and carers. Mencap

UK Windrush Day – 22 June

Marking the anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury, near London, on 22 June 1948. UK Windrush Day

National Clean Air Day – June 2025

A chance for the whole country to come together and improve air quality through collective action. Clean Air Day

Cervical Screening Awareness Week – June 2025

Around 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year. Jo’s Trust

South Asian Heritage Month – 18 July – 17 August

Aims to raise the profile and contribution of British South Asian history in the UK. South Asian Heritage Month

Alcohol Awareness Week – July 2025

A chance for the UK to get thinking about drinking. It’s a week of awareness-raising, campaigning for change, and more. Alcohol Change

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week – 1-7 August 2025

The global campaign that aims to inform, anchor, engage and galvanise action on breastfeeding and related issues. World Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Cycle to Work Day – 7 August 2025

UK’s biggest cycle commuting event. Cycle to work day

Urology Awareness Month – September 2025

Urology Awareness Month is an annual campaign running in September to raise awareness of urology diseases. Urology Awareness Month

East and South East Asian Heritage Month – September 2025

A chance to celebrate, acknowledge and learn about the incredible ways in which these communities have helped shape the UK. ESEA Heritage

Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month – September 2025

A month raising awareness of the symptoms and need for more research into pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness

National Pensions Awareness Week – September 2025

A week for raising awareness on the importance of preparing and saving for retirement. Pension Awareness Week

Know Your Numbers Week – September 2025

Encouraging adults to know their blood pressure numbers and take the necessary action to reach and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Know your numbers

World Suicide Prevention Day – 10 September 2025

Promoting worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. International Association of Suicide Prevention Suicide prevention

World Sepsis Day – 13 September 2025

An opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against sepsis. World Sepsis Day

World Patient Safety Day – 17 September 2025

Increasing public awareness and engagement, enhance global understanding, and spurring global solidarity and action to promote patient safety. World Patient Safety Day

International Day of Sign Languages – 23 September

Celebrated annually across the world on 23 September every year along with International Week of the Deaf. The UN

Organ Donation Week – 22-27 September 2025

Encouraging people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register and encourage people to share their donation decision. Organ Donation Week

World Pharmacists Day – 25 September 2025

A day to recognise and celebrate the crucial role that pharmacists play in building healthier communities everywhere. World Pharmacists Day

ICON week – 25-29 September

Raising awareness of infant crying and supporting carers to cope ICON week

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – 26 September 2025

Support Macmillian by hosting your own coffee morning to raise awareness. Macmillan

UK National Inclusion Week 29 September – 5 October 2025

Designed to celebrate everyday inclusion in all its forms. Inclusive Employers

Speak Up Month – October

A national campaign to illustrate the part which we all play in fostering a culture where people can speak up and be confident they will be listened to. National Guardian’s Office

Stoptober – October

Encouraging the nation’s smokers to make a quit attempt for the month of October and beyond. Quit smoking – NHS

Sober October

Get involved in Sober October by going alcohol-free in October to raise money for people with cancer. Sober October

National Cholesterol Month – October

Devoted to raising funds for HEART UK and raising awareness of the dangers of high cholesterol. Heart UK

Black History Month – October

A nationwide celebration of Black History, Arts and Culture throughout the UK. Black History Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October

To raise awareness for the disease and to raise funds for research. Information and free resources to help you with local campaigns. Breast Cancer Now

Back Care Awareness Week – 7 -11 October 2025

Raise awareness of the problems back pain can cause, as well as prevention and treatments. Musculoskeletal guidance

National Work Life Week – October 2025

For employers to show employees, and potential candidates your organisation has a flexible working culture and appreciates work life balance. Working Families

National Pharmacy Week – October 2025

Acknowledges the contributions pharmacists and technicians make to patient care in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings National Pharmacy Week

Allied Healthcare Professional Day – October 2025

Celebrating the AHP profession across England AHP day

Baby Loss Awareness Week 9-15 October 2025

Give anyone touched by pregnancy and baby loss a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and feel that they are not alone. Babyloss Awareness

World Mental Health Day – 10 October 2025

An opportunity to raise awareness and advocacy against mental health stigma. World Mental Health Day

Coming Out Day – 11 October

An awareness day for LGBTQ+ people to celebrate being their authentic selves.

International Pronouns Day – 15 October 2025

Seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Pronouns Day

Infection Prevention Control Week – 19 October – 25 October 2025

Infection prevention control week is about raising awareness for the important role we all play in keeping patients safe from infection. Infection Prevention Control Week

Developmental Language Disorder Day – 17 October 2025

Developmental Language Disorder affects 1 in 14 people causing difficulties understanding and using language for no known reason. DLD Day

World Menopause Awareness Day – 18 October 2025

Raising awareness for women who are feeling lost and going through Menopause and need support. International Menopause Society Menopause and the workplace

Pharmacy Technician Day – 21 October 2025

Recognising the extraordinary contributions of pharmacy technicians to patient care and their essential role within the healthcare team. Pharmacy Technician Day

International Stammering Awareness Day – 22 October

Stammering associations, individuals and groups around the world organise events to raise awareness of stuttering. International Stammering Awareness Day

Islamophobia Awareness Month – November

Raising awareness of Islamophobia and highlighting the positive contributions of Muslims to society. Islamophobia Awareness Month

Movember – Men’s Health Awareness Month – November

Responsible for thousands of moustaches on men’s faces. Aims to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health. Movember UK Mental health in the workplace

UK Malnutrition Awareness Week – November 2025

Raise awareness and understanding of preventable malnutrition in local communities and with health and social care professionals. Malnutrition Awareness Week

National Self Care Week – 18-24 November

Self Care Week is an annual national awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self care across communities, families and generations. National Self Care Week

National Stress Awareness Week – 4-8 November

Raise awareness, publicity and profile of stress and its impact, and reduce stigma while promoting the importance of wellbeing and stress reduction. National Stress Awareness Week

Remembrance Sunday – 9 November 2025

Remembering the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms. Remembrance Sunday

Armistice Day – 11 November 2025

To commemorate the end of hostilities of World War 1 Armistice Day

Inter Faith Week – November 2025

The aims of Inter Faith Week are to strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels. Interfaith Week

Psychological Professions Week – 11-15 November

An annual opportunity for the psychological professions to come together to celebrate the impact PP Week

Anti-bullying Week – 11-15 November

Anti Bullying Week is organised by the Anti Bullying Alliance (ABA). The ABA is made up of anti-bullying organisations from all over the UK. Anti-bullying Alliance Tackling bullying in the NHS infographic

Trans Awareness Week – 13-19 November

This week helps raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues members of the community face. GLAAD

Disability History Month – November – December

A month of activity to raise awareness and support people with disabilities. Disability History Month

International Men’s Day – 19 November

Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys. UK Men’s Day

Transgender Day of Remembrance – 20 November

An annual observance to remember those who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. Transgender Day of Remembrance (GLAAD)

Carers Rights Day – 21 November

A national day to make carers and the wider public aware of the rights and support available to carers. Carers Rights Day

16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence

A time to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls. 16 Days of Action Domestic violence facts and support

World Aids Day – 1 December

An opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. World Aids Day

International Day of People with Disabilities – 3 December

Since 1992, the United Nations IDPD has been annually celebrated around the world. UN IDPD