Health & social care awareness days calendar 2026

As a communications agency dedicated to the health and social care sector, we understand the importance of raising awareness and driving meaningful conversations around wellbeing. Our comprehensive guide highlights key dates throughout the year, helping organisations plan campaigns, engage stakeholders and promote positive change.

Covering everything from mental health and physical wellness to environmental sustainability and social care, these awareness days provide valuable opportunities to champion important causes, spark dialogue and reinforce your commitment to the people and communities you support.

Dry January

Alcohol Change UK’s flagship campaign encourages people to give up alcohol throughout January to improve their relationship with drinking, boost their health and raise money for charity.

Alcohol Change

Veganuary

A global movement inspiring people to try vegan for January and beyond, promoting plant-based diets for health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.

Veganuary

Red January 

Mental health charity initiative encouraging people to do something active every day in January to benefit their mental and physical wellbeing.

Red January

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Month-long campaign to raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention, screening, and the importance of HPV vaccination.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 

National Blood Donor Month 

Dedicated to encouraging blood donation during winter months when supplies typically run low, highlighting the critical need for regular donors.

National Blood Donor Month

World Braille Day – 4 January

International observance commemorating the birth of Louis Braille, celebrating the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people.

World Braille Day

National Pharmacist Day – 12 January 

Day recognising the vital contribution pharmacists make to healthcare, patient safety, and community wellbeing across the UK.

STI Awareness Day – 14 January 

Campaign promoting awareness about sexually transmitted infections, encouraging testing, safe practices, and reducing stigma.

World Religion Day – 18 January 

To promote interfaith understanding and harmony.

Samaritans Brew Monday – 19 January 

Samaritans’ initiative encouraging people to connect over a cuppa on what’s dubbed the most difficult day of the year, promoting conversation and mental health support.

Samaritans Brew Monday

Blue Monday 

The third Monday in January, often cited as the most depressing day of the year – used to raise awareness about depression, seasonal affective disorder, and mental health support.

Holocaust Memorial Day – 27 January 

Remembering the people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust

World Lewy Body Dementia Day – 28 January 

An international awareness day dedicated to Lewy body dementia, the second most common type of degenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.

World Lewy Body Day 

Data Privacy Day – 28 January 

Annual event raising awareness about the importance of privacy and data protection, relevant to healthcare records and patient confidentiality.

Parent Mental Health Day – 30 January

An opportunity to recognise the importance of parents’ mental health and wellbeing in nurturing resilient, healthy young people. 

Parent Mental Health Day

LGBT+ History Month 

To promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public.

LGBT+ History Month

Heart Month  

British Heart Foundation campaign raising awareness of heart and circulatory diseases, promoting heart-healthy lifestyles and fundraising for vital research.

British Heart Foundation

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 

Campaign raising awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms, encouraging early diagnosis, and supporting those affected by the disease.

Ovarian Cancer Action

Eating Disorders Awareness Month 

International initiative highlighting eating disorders, reducing stigma, promoting early intervention, and supporting recovery.

Beat Eating Disorders 

Time to Change Month  

Month-long campaign by Time to Change, challenging the mental health stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Time to Change

World Cancer Day – 4 February 2025

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

World Cancer Day

Time To Talk Day – 6 February 

Getting people to talk about mental health and by doing so help change lives.

Time to Change

Children’s Mental Health Week – 9 – 15 February

Launched by children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, the week exists to empower, equip, and give a voice to children and young people in the UK. 

Children’s Mental Health Week

National Apprenticeship Week – 9 – 15 February

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

Apprenticeships

National HIV Testing Week – 9 – 15 February 

Campaign promoting HIV testing, raising awareness of HIV transmission, prevention, and supporting people living with HIV.

National HIV Testing Week

Random Acts of Kindness Week – 15 – 21 February 

International celebration encouraging kind acts to improve wellbeing, build communities, and create positive social connections.

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Random Acts of Kindness Day – 17 February

A single day dedicated to spreading kindness, with proven benefits for mental health and community wellbeing.

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

World Encephalitis Day – 22 February 

Global awareness day for encephalitis (brain inflammation), promoting early recognition, treatment, and supporting survivors and their families.

World Encephalitis Day 

Eating Disorder Awareness Week – 23 February – 1 March

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

Beat Eating Disorders

Rare Disease Day – 28th February

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

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 

Raising awareness on the importance of proactive healthcare and early detection in the fight against prostate cancer.

Brain Tumour Awareness Month 

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 

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

Endometriosis Awareness Month  

Global campaign raising awareness of endometriosis, a condition affecting 1 in 10 women, promoting earlier diagnosis and better treatment.

Endometriosis Awareness Month

Trisomy Awareness Month 

Month dedicated to raising awareness of trisomy conditions, including Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome.

Zero Discrimination Day – 1 March

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

UN Aids

Self-Injury Awareness Day – 1 March

An international awareness day dedicated towards breaking the silence and stigma around self-harm, promoting understanding and support.

Self-harm and Self-injury Awareness Day 

International Wheelchair Day – 1 March 

A day celebrating the positive impact wheelchairs have on users’ lives and raising awareness of accessibility issues.

World Hearing Day – 3 March

A World Health Organisation (WHO) campaign highlighting the importance of hearing health, prevention of hearing loss, and access to hearing care services.

World Hearing Day 

HPV Awareness Day – 4 March 

An international day which raises awareness about the human papillomavirus, its link to cancers and the importance of HPV vaccination.

International HPV Awareness Day 

World Obesity Day – 4 March 

Global campaign raising awareness and improving understanding of obesity as a chronic disease requiring comprehensive approaches.

World Obesity Day 

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

Young Carers Action Day – 11 March

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 – 11 March

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

British Heart Foundation

World Kidney Day – 12 March

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

World Kidney Day

World Sleep Day – 13 March

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 – 16 – 22 March

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

Nutrition and Hydration Week

Debt Awareness Week – 16 – 22 March

Money Advice Trust campaign raising awareness of problem debt and the free debt advice available.

Money Advice Trust 

World Oral Health Day – 20 March

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

World Oral Health Day

Red Nose Day – 20 March

Comic Relief’s annual fundraising campaign that uses comedy and entertainment to tackle poverty and social injustice.

Comic Relief

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 Down Syndrome Day 

World TB Day – 24 March

A WHO awareness day highlighting the devastating health and economic impact of tuberculosis and promoting efforts to end the disease.

World Health Organization – World Tuberculosis Day

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.

Trans Day of Visibility 

World Autism Acceptance Week – 30 March – 6 April

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

UN

https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/news-and-events/Spotlight-on/CelebratingSocialCare.aspxWorld Autism Acceptance Month – April

Promotes understanding, inclusion, and the celebration of neurodiversity while advocating for the rights and acceptance of individuals with autism.

WAAM

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 

Bowel Cancer UK campaign raising awareness of the UK’s fourth most common cancer, promoting screening and early diagnosis.

Bowel Cancer UK 

Stress Awareness Month 

International campaign increasing awareness of the causes and cures for modern-day stress, promoting stress management techniques.

Stress Management Society

Supporting our NHS people

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Campaign raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting over 145,000 people in the UK.

Parkinson’s UK

Celebrating Social Care Month

Celebrating Social Care is a campaign that recognises the dedication and impact of social care professionals, highlighting their essential role in supporting individuals and strengthening communities.

World Autism Awareness Day – 2 April

World Autism Awareness Day, observed on April 2nd, is a global initiative to raise awareness, foster understanding, and promote inclusion for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

World Health Day – 7 April

World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated annually on April 7th to highlight pressing health issues and promote wellbeing worldwide.

World Parkinson’s Day – 11 April

World Parkinson’s Day is observed annually to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for improved care and research for those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Lesbian Visibility Week – 20 – 26 April 

Recognises and celebrates the contributions of lesbians.

Lesbian Visibility Week

World Immunisation Week – 24 – 30 April 

A WHO campaign promoting the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease and improve global health.

World Health Organization – World Immunisation Week 

On Your Feet Britain – 30 April 

The national activity awareness day when 2 million desk-based workers across Britain participate in a variety of fun and simple activities to #SitLess and #MoveMore at work. 

Active Together – On Your Feet Britain

Mental Health Awareness Month 

A month-long awareness initative dedicated to fighting stigma and providing support for mental health conditions.

Mental Health Foundation

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month 

Campaign highlighting perinatal mental health conditions affecting women during pregnancy and after birth.

Maternal Mental Health Alliance

National Walking Month 

Encourages people to walk more throughout May.

Living Streets

Stroke Awareness Month 

Stroke Awareness Month, otherwise known as Make May Purple, takes place every May to raise awareness of strokes, the importance of recovery, prevention, and causes. 

Coeliac Awareness Month 

Coeliac UK campaign raising awareness of coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten.

Coeliac UK

Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month 

International campaign raising awareness of Huntington’s disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative condition.

Huntington’s Disease Association

Time For A Cuppa – 1 – 8 May

Time For A Cuppa is Dementia UK’s annual event that aims to bring people together to enjoy tea and treats while raising funds and awareness for dementia. 

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week – 4 – 10 May 

Campaign week highlighting perinatal mental health, reducing stigma and promoting support for mothers.

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week

Deaf Awareness Week – 4 – 10 May

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

International Day of the Midwife – 5 May 

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

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

WHO

Dying Matters Awareness Week – 6 – 12 May

A week to encourage all communities to have open conversations about dying.

Dying Matters Awareness Week

National Women’s Health Week – 11 – 17 May

Designed to highlight women’s health issues and priorities, encouraging all women to prioritise their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Mental Health Awareness Week – 11 – 17 May 

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health and well-being.

Foster Care Fortnight – 11 – 24 May

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest awareness-raising campaign for fostering.

International Nurses Day – 12 May 

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

International Council of Nurses

National Day for Staff Networks – 13 May

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

International Day of Families – 15 May 

UN observance highlighting the importance of families and issues affecting family health and well-being.

United Nations International Day of Families

National Numeracy Day – 18th May 2025

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

Dementia Action Week – 18 – 24 May

Dementia Action Week is a national awareness campaign that encourages individuals and communities to take action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

World IBD Day – 19 May 

Global awareness day for inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) affecting over 500,000 people in the UK.

World IBD Day

International Human Resources Day – 20 May

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

International Human Resources Day

Global Accessibility Awareness Day – 21 May

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

World Day for Cultural Diversity – 21 May

A UNESCO day celebrating cultural diversity and promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.

United Nations – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

World Pre-Eclampsia Day – 25 May

A campaign raising awareness of pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication affecting around 6% of pregnancies.

Pre-eclampsia Day

World MS Day – 30 May

World MS Day is a global campaign that brings the multiple sclerosis community together to raise awareness, share stories, and advocate for better support and research.

World No Tobacco Day – 31 May 

A WHO campaign highlighting the health risks of tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

World No Tobacco Day 

Pride Month 

A global celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, commemorating the Stonewall riots and promoting equality, acceptance and LGBTQ+ rights.

Pride UK 

Men’s Mental Health Month 

International awareness campaign focusing on preventable health problems in men and boys, encouraging early detection and treatment.

Men’s Health Forum

Global Day of Parents – 1 June

A UN observance honouring parents and their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice toward nurturing this relationship.

United Nations Parents Day

Volunteers’ Week – 1 – 7 June 

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

Volunteers’ Week

World Environment Day – 5 June

UN’s principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment and its impact on health.

World Environment Day 

Carers Week – 8 – 14 June

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. 

Men’s Health Week – 8 – 14 June

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

Loneliness Awareness Week – 9 – 15 June

Loneliness Awareness Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness. It’s all about creating supportive communities by having open, honest conversations.

Bike Week – 9 – 15 June

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

Cycling Week

BNF Healthy Eating Week – 12 – 16 June

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

British Nutrition Foundation

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

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – 15 June

UN observance raising awareness of elder abuse and neglect, promoting the rights and dignity of older people.

United Nations – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Learning Disability Week – 15 – 21 June

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

Mencap

National Clean Air Day – 18 June

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

Clean Air Day

Sickle Cell Day – 19 June 

International Awareness Day of Sickle Cell Disease, an inherited blood disorder affecting over 15,000 people in the UK.

Sick Cell Society

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

Shared Lives Week – 22 – 28 June

Shared Lives Week is a week-long campaign designed to celebrate the best of Shared Lives and show gratitude for the amazing work of Shared Lives carers.

International Widows’ Day – 23 June

UN observance drawing attention to the situation and rights of widows and their children worldwide.

United Nations International Widows Day

Cervical Screening Awareness Week – 19 – 25 June 

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

Jo’s Trust

International Day Against Drug Abuse – 26 June 

UN campaign strengthening action and cooperation to achieve a world free of drug abuse and trafficking.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Good Care Month 

Good Care Month, observed throughout July in the UK, celebrates the vital contributions of social care workers and promotes careers in the care sector. 

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM)

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

South Asian Heritage Month

Alcohol Awareness Week – 6 – 12 July

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 Population Day – 11 July

UN observance focusing on population issues, including family planning, gender equality, poverty and maternal health.

United Nations World Population Day

Samaritans Awareness Day 24/7 – 24 July

Samaritans Awareness Day (24/7) shines a light on the importance of listening and being there for others, promoting emotional support around the clock, every day of the year.

World Hepatitis Day – 28 July 

A World Health Organisation (WHO) campaign raising awareness of viral hepatitis and encouraging prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

WHO World Hepatitis Day

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – 30 July

A UN day raising awareness of human trafficking and the plight of its victims, it aims to promote the protection of their rights.

United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

National Wellness Month

National Wellness Month is celebrated throughout the month of August, encouraging individuals to prioritise self-care and adopt healthy habits for their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Breastfeeding Awareness Month 

Month-long campaign promoting breastfeeding support and awareness of its benefits for mother and baby health.

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week – 1 – 7 August

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 – 6 August

Campaign encouraging people to try cycling to work, promoting health benefits and sustainable transport.

Cycle to work day

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – 9 August

A UN day promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous people worldwide and their cultures.

United Nations – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

International Youth Day – 12 August

Organised by the United Nations, International Youth Day is an initiative that celebrates the qualities of young people and that recognises the challenges that today’s youth can face.

International Youth Day 

World Humanitarian Day – 19 August 

A UN day honouring humanitarian workers and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.

United Nations World Humanitarian Day

Grief Awareness Day – 30 August

A day raising awareness of the impact of grief, promoting support for those bereaved and encouraging open conversations about loss.

Urology Awareness Month 

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

Urology Awareness Month

Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month

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

Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness

World Alzheimer’s Month

A global opportunity to raise dementia awareness and support people affected by the disease.  

World Alzheimer’s Month

Oddfellows Friendship Month

Oddfellows Friendship Month is a heartwarming annual campaign dedicated to promoting the values of friendship, community, and social connection.

Oddfellows Friendship Month

Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

Campaign raising awareness of the five gynae cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month

A campaign raising awareness of polycystic ovary syndrome, a common condition affecting how a woman’s ovaries work.

PCOS Awareness Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Leukaemia Care campaign raising awareness of blood cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Leukaemia Care

Sepsis Awareness Month

UK Sepsis Trust campaign raising awareness of sepsis symptoms and the importance of asking “Could it be sepsis?”

Sepsis Trust

Sexual Health Awareness Month

Campaign promoting sexual health, encouraging testing, and reducing stigma around STIs.

Sleeptember 

The Sleep Charity campaign focuses on the importance of sleep for physical and mental health.

The Sleep Charity

World PCOS Day – 1 September

International Awareness Day for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, affecting 1 in 10 women worldwide.

PCOS Challenge

World Suicide Prevention Day – 10 September 

Promoting worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

World Suicide Prevention Day

World Sepsis Day – 13 September

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

World Sepsis Day

National Pensions Awareness Week – 14 – 18 September 

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

Pension Awareness Week

National Inclusion Week – 14 – 20 September

A campaign celebrating inclusion in all its forms and highlighting the importance of inclusive environments.

Inclusion Week

World Patient Safety Day – 19 September 

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

World Patient Safety Day

World Alzheimer’s Day – 21 September

World Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place every Sept. 21, is a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.

International Day of Peace – 21 September

UN observance devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence.

International Day of Peace

Organ Donation Week – 21 – 27 September

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

Organ Donation Week

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

National Fitness Day – 24 September

The UK’s biggest celebration of health and fitness.

National Fitness Day

World Pharmacists Day – 25 September

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

World Pharmacists Day

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – 25 September 

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

Macmillan

Know Your Numbers Week – (Date TBC)

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 Heart Day – 29 September

World Heart Federation campaign promoting heart-healthy living and reducing cardiovascular disease burden.

World Heart Day

ADHD Awareness Month – October

A month-long initiative dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of ADHD.

ADHD Awareness Month

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

World Mental Health Month 

Month-long awareness campaign promoting mental health education, advocacy and reducing stigma globally.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9 – 15 October, is a time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, to remember our much-loved and missed babies, and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.

Baby Loss Awareness Month & Week 

Back Care Awareness Week – 5 – 9 October

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

Musculoskeletal guidance

National Work Life Week – 5 – 9 October

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

Working Families

Baby Loss Awareness Week 9 – 15 October

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

An opportunity to raise awareness and advocacy against mental health stigma.

World Mental Health Day

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day – 10 October

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in October, highlighting the importance of palliative care and access to end-of-life support.

National Coming Out Day – 11 October

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

National Coming Out Day

Allied Healthcare Professional Day – 14 October

Celebrating the AHP profession across England

AHP day

International Pronouns Day – 15 October 2025

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

Pronouns Day

Developmental Language Disorder Day – 17 October

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

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 – 20 October

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

Pharmacy Technician Day

Infection Prevention Control Week – 19 – 25 October 

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

National Pharmacy Week – 19 – 25 October 

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

National Pharmacy Week

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

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

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

A campaign focused on educating the public about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and the continued need for research funding.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month 

National Diabetes Month – November

A month-long campaign dedicated to bringing attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of people, while encouraging preventive measures and healthier lifestyle habits.

National Diabetes Month

Disability History Month – November – December

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

Disability History Month

Islamophobia Awareness Month – November

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

Islamophobia Awareness Month

International Stress Awareness Week – 2 – 6 November

International Stress Awareness Week and Stress Awareness Day, which is held on the 4th of November at the centre of the week, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of stress on our mental and physical health. Organised by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA UK), this year’s theme explores the future of wellbeing in a changing world: “Shaping the Future of Stress and Wellbeing: Rehumanising the Workplace”.

National Stress Awareness Week

Remembrance Sunday – 8 November 

Remembering the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms.

Remembrance Sunday

Armistice Day – 11 November

To commemorate the end of hostilities of World War 1

Armistice Day

Inter Faith Week – 9 – 16 November

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

Interfaith Week

Psychological Professions Week – 9 – 13 November

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

PP Week

Anti-bullying Week – 9 – 13 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

World Diabetes Day – 14th November

World Diabetes Day is a global awareness campaign held annually to highlight the impact of diabetes and promote better prevention, diagnosis and care worldwide.

UK Malnutrition Awareness Week – 17 – 23 November (Date TBC)

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

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 (Date TBC)

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 – 25 November – 10 December

A time to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls.

16 Days of Action
Domestic violence facts and support

16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence – 25 November – 10 December

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

National Grief Awareness Week – December 2 – 8 December (Date TBC)

National Grief Awareness Week is an annual event focused on raising awareness about grief, offering support to those grieving, and fostering a better understanding of the grieving process.

International Day of People with Disabilities – 3 December

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

UN IDPD

Human Rights Day – 10 December

Human Rights Day is celebrated annually around the world on 10 December every year. The date was chosen to honour the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption.

Human Rights Day

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