National Opportunity Day
2026-08-07
Imagine a world where setbacks are simply stepping stones. A world where a change in direction is not seen as failure, but as an opportunity to discover hidden talents and uncover new passions. This is the world we invite you to explore on #NationalOpportunityDay on 7th August. It’s a world where limitations are shattered, and aspirations are embraced.
Whether it’s vocational training, apprenticeships, work-based learning, or pursuing an alternative higher education path, National Opportunity Day celebrates all these options and more. No student should ever feel left behind. It’s never too late and there’s always a possibility. There’s something for everyone. We’re here to help you navigate through the maze of opportunities and find the path that resonates with you.
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes, the path we envision takes a detour. But here’s the thing: that detour can lead us to remarkable opportunities we never even dreamed of. That’s what National Opportunity Day is all about – celebrating the boundless possibilities that await everyone, regardless of any disappointment or setbacks.
A smooth ride is rare. Many students find themselves disappointed when they don’t achieve the results they hoped for, or secure the further education place they had set their heart on. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. However, this is not the end of the road. It’s just the beginning.
National Opportunity Day is a day dedicated to shedding light on all the possible opportunities beyond the traditional route. We hope to inspire and empower students to embrace alternative options that can lead to a fulfilling and successful future.

Source: National Opportunity Day 2026: 7 August 2026 | Awareness Days

International Youth Day
2026-08-12
International Youth Day on August 12th focuses on the difficulties that some young people are experiencing throughout the world. Half the children between the age of six and 13 lack basic reading and math skills and childhood poverty is still a prevalent problem globally.
#InternationalYouthDay was created by the UN to help draw awareness to these issues as we strive to find solutions. It’s a day for reflection but also a day for taking action so get involved. There’ll be many concerts, workshops and cultural events taking place so have a look at what is happening in your local area.
It’s an initiative that honours the traits of young people and that acknowledges the challenges that today’s fledging youth face. To support the elimination of these issues it is important that the youth is able to reach the right resources for education, wellbeing, medicine and more.
International Youth Day began in 2000 and was organised by the UN to recognise the input that young people make in education, community development, environmental groups, volunteering for different social projects.

Source: International Youth Day (nationaltoday.com)

National Non-Profit Day
2026-08-17
National Non-Profit Day is commemorated on August 17 each year to recognize non-profit organisations’ ongoing efforts to serve the local community. If you’ve ever volunteered, you’re well aware of the significance of these charitable organisations.
Nonprofits throughout the country work to promote awareness and offer assistance to individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford it. Their activities contribute to the shaping of our society and provide hope for a brighter future.
Non Profit organisations are the glue that hold together many communities across the UK, offering support to people who need it and helping to build connected communities. They do vital work, which can often go under-appreciated.
That’s why we’re celebrating #NationalNonprofitDay, to shine a light on the wonderful non-profit organisations working to make a difference in their area.
Why not take some time to familiarise yourself with the non-profit organisations in your area?
Learn more on aDoddle.org

Never Give Up Day
2026-08-18
On August 18th We Celebrate Never Give Up Day. This Day Is All About Cultivating A Mindset Of Determination
The day not only applauds people for reaching their goals but also supports those who are still trying to achieve their goals. This unique celebration day is dedicated to showcasing the impactful resilience and determination in our community.
#NeverGiveUpDay encourages awareness-raising activities, (sports) events, runs/walks for charity, workshops and community programs. Health and social care associations, organisations and charities can initiate their call to action and fundraising events.
All in all, Never Give Up Day provides a common platform for individuals and professionals to use their imagination and judgment to innovate to inspire.
Source: Never Give Up Day 2026: 18 August 2026 | Awareness Days

World Photography Day
2026-08-19
World Photo Day is on August 19th and it celebrates the day when the French government purchased the patent for the daguerreotype process. The daguerreotype process is a photographic process that creates highly detailed images on a sheet of copper plate with a thin coat of silver.
The day requires participants to share a photo of their world, which can be anything the photographer chooses. The definition of photography is quite literally “drawing the light” and British scientist Sir John Herschel came up with it in 1839. He used the Greek word phōtós, which means “light” and graphê which means “drawing or writing”.
How to Celebrate?
Whether you are an amateur, a professional, or someone who spends most of his or her day taking phone pictures and sharing them with your social media followers, World Photography Day is an easy holiday to celebrate. Here are some ways you can enjoy this day:

Learn and read more about the history and science behind photography.
If you have always wanted to learn photography, maybe today is the time to start taking lessons.
If you are a photographer, why not volunteer your time to teach your craft and trade to others?

#WorldPhotographyDay #SayCheese

Source:
https://nationaltoday.com/world-photo-day/

International Dog Day
2026-08-26
International Dog Day is a special celebration of all dogs around the world and the companionship and loyalty that they show to us.
Dogs truly are ‘man’s best friend’, and #InternationalDogDay is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what these special animals do to keep us safe, guide us, and bring us joy. If you think about all the roles our furry friends play in our communities, it really is quite incredible! They have quite remarkable abilities, often sacrificing their own safety to selflessly protect the most vulnerable in our society. They work with law enforcement, emergency services, the army, and individuals that may need additional help, like those who are partially sighted or who need extra support. Not to mention, they consistently show us unconditional love and unending comfort, and brighten up our ‘ruff’ days with their waggy tails and goofy smiles. They’re not only super cute, but they’re extremely useful, and humans and dogs have a long and special relationship that has evolved over thousands of years of cooperation, trust, and kinship.
International Dog Day raises awareness, too, of the significance of rescuing our furry friends, as there are so many dogs in the world that are in need of a stable home, and a loving family. The day can act as a gentle reminder for us to try and help these exceptional animals where we can. Sadly, many rescue centres and dog shelters are fit to burst with abandoned dogs, often for reasons through no fault of their own. Although it’s not a decision to be taken lightly – pups, and training and looking after a ‘new best friend’ can be a lot of work! – rescuing instead of buying from a pet store or a breeder can be so, so rewarding.
#DogShelter #HappyDogDay #DogRescue #DoggyDay #InternationalDogDay2026 #AdoptDontShop

Source: International Dog Day | 26th August 2026 | Twinkl – Twinkl

Women's Equality Day
2026-08-26
Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every August 26th, commemorates the passage of women’s suffrage and reminds us of the hurdles overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and #Discrimination to propel the women’s movement forward.
In the early 19th century, American women, who generally couldn’t inherit property and made half of a man’s wages in any available jobs, began organizing to demand political rights and representation.
By the early 1900s, several countries including Finland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom had legalized voting for women as the movement continued to sweep across the world.
In the U.S., the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was first introduced in 1878, but it failed to gain traction. It wasn’t until women’s involvement in the World War I effort made their contributions painfully obvious that women’s suffrage finally gained enough support. Women’s rights groups pointed out the hypocrisy of fighting for democracy in Europe while denying it to half of the American citizens at home.
Women aren’t done fighting for equal rights. Today, the wage gap between men and women still impacts women’s economic power, and gender-based discrimination still plagues workplaces and business transactions.
#WomensEqualityDay is all about uplifting and #EmpoweringWomen, and marvelling at how far women have progressed, defying all odds and oppression. General traditions include men and women expressing gratitude to influential women in their lives, supporting local businesses run by women, and celebrating womanhood with your girl gang and special ladies.

Source: WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY – August 26, 2026 – National Today

National Grief Awareness Day
2026-08-30
National Grief Awareness Day, also known as National Bereavement Day, is recognised annually on August 30th. It was founded in 2014 by Angie Cartwright, a woman who experienced the loss of many of her loved ones. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the different ways in which grief can manifest in our lives.
August 30th is an opportunity to realize that everyone copes with loss differently and to learn how to help yourself and others through the grieving process. You can observe #NationalGriefAwarenessDay no matter what type of loss you’ve been through.
Some common reasons people experience grief include:

The death of a loved one

A divorce, breakup, or other separation

Getting fired from a job or losing a promotion

Losing one’s business or livelihood

Learning about a chronic illness or condition

Losing financial stability

The death of a pet

Imprisonment

A child leaving home

Pregnancy or loss of pregnancy

Each of these is a valid reason for grieving. However, grief can often be hard to understand. National Grief Awareness Day recognizes the challenges of comforting someone in grief and seeks to eliminate barriers that can prevent empathy, patience, and understanding.
In addition, National Grief Awareness Day is important because it encourages people everywhere to support themselves and their loved ones through the #Grieving process, no matter what. By raising awareness about grief with factual information and encouraging open lines of communication, people everywhere can hope to receive better support, care, and comfort as they try to heal.
Source: What is National Grief Awareness Day & Why Does it Matter? | BetterHelp

Food Bank Day
2026-09-04
Food Bank Day is an important observance dedicated to raising awareness about food insecurity and the role of food banks in supporting vulnerable communities. Celebrated on the first Friday of September, this day encourages individuals and organisations to contribute to their local food banks through donations, volunteering, and advocacy. #Foodbanks play a crucial role in providing essential food supplies to those in need, often acting as a lifeline for families and individuals facing economic hardship.
The significance of Food Bank Day lies in its ability to highlight the ongoing issue of hunger and poverty in many communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and support for those less fortunate. Food banks not only provide immediate relief by supplying nutritious food but also offer various programmes to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency, such as job training and financial education.
To commemorate Food Bank Day, people are encouraged to participate in various activities, including organising food drives, volunteering at local food banks, or making financial contributions. These actions can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with food insecurity, ensuring they have access to essential nutrition and support.
To bring the message of Food Bank Day to your social media, here are some content ideas:

Share information about the role and impact of food banks.
Post a poll asking followers about their favourite ways to support food banks.
Create a photo contest encouraging followers to share their experiences volunteering or donating.
Highlight key statistics on food insecurity and the importance of food banks.
Share stories and testimonials from food bank beneficiaries and volunteers.
Post videos showcasing the work of local food banks and how people can help.
Share infographics on how food banks operate and their impact on communities.
Highlight personal stories of individuals who have benefited from food bank services.
Encourage followers to organise or participate in food drives.
Post a guide on how to volunteer or donate to local food banks.

#FoodBankDay #EndHunger #SupportFoodBanks #FightHunger #FoodInsecurity #CommunitySupport #Volunteer #DonateFood #HelpThoseInNeed #FoodBankAwareness
You can find many Food bank Charities and Organisations here: aDoddle – Community Mapping – Making it ‘aDoddle’ to Find Help, Give Help or Connect with Others Locally

International Day of Charity
2026-09-05
International Day of Charity is an internationally celebrated day on 5th September. It was first introduced by the United Nations. The day 5th September was chosen to commemorate the passing of Mother Teresa. She was known for her dedication to charitable work and gave her life to helping others and overcoming poverty, suffering and distress. Teaching children about the work of Mother Teresa is one way of recognising the importance of the day.
The aim of the International Day of Charity is to raise awareness and give a platform to charity activities around the world for charitable, individuals and #Volunteer organisations at local, national and international levels.
International Day of Charity seeks to enhance social responsibility and increase public support of charitable causes.
There are so many fun ways to get involved with #InternationalDayOfCharity, whether that be organising your own event to raise money, #Volunteering with a good local cause or simply raising awareness for a charitable organisation. It doesn’t matter how much time or money you have to spare since there are lots of different things to do.
Should you wish to find a #Charity in your area requiring Volunteers, why not check our website:
aDoddle – Community Mapping – Making it ‘aDoddle’ to Find Help, Give Help or Connect with Others Locally
#PeopleHelpingPeople #BetterTogether #NeverMoreNeeded #CharityInUk #MakingADifference #Volunteers #StartWithWhy #FindingPurpose #FindingYourPurpose #MeaningfulWork
Source: International Day of Charity – Event Page – Twinkl

Emergency Services 999 Day
2026-09-09
Emergency Services Day 999 Day takes place on 9th September every year, celebrating and recognising the vital work of the emergency services in the UK. This day is dedicated to honouring the brave men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe, including police, fire, ambulance, and other rescue services. It’s a day to acknowledge their dedication and the critical role they play in society, often in challenging and dangerous situations.
The 999 Day also promotes public awareness about the importance of using emergency services responsibly and the significance of volunteering in supporting these services. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the historical development of the emergency services in the UK and how they continue to evolve to meet the needs of the public.
To bring the spirit of Emergency Services Day 999 Day to your social media, here are some content ideas:

Share stories of emergency service personnel and their heroic acts.
Post infographics on how to use the emergency services responsibly.
Highlight the history and significance of the 999 number.
Encourage followers to participate in local events honouring the emergency services.
Share videos showcasing the work of different emergency services.
Promote volunteering opportunities within emergency services.
Post a tribute to fallen heroes who served in the emergency services.
Share tips on how to support emergency services in your community.
Highlight the importance of mental health support for emergency workers.
Encourage followers to learn basic first aid skills.

#999Day #EmergencyServicesDay #Support999 #HonourTheHeroes #EmergencyServices #999Heroes #EmergencyWorkers #PublicSafety #SupportFirstResponders #CommunitySafety #VolunteerSupport #HeroicActs #EmergencyAwareness #999Number #FallenHeroes #RespectEmergencyServices #FirstResponders #SaveLives #999Awareness #EmergencyPreparedness

Source; Emergency Services Day 999 Day | Awareness Days (awareness-days.co.uk)

World Suicide Prevention Day
2026-09-10
World Suicide Prevention Day is hosted on 10th September each year by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and #SuicidePrevention.
#Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the country, but suicides among teenage girls and young women have almost doubled in recent years.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, as set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention is ‘#ChangeTheNarrative
Their message is clear – Changing the narrative on suicide aims to inspire individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.
If you need help with your mental health, there are hundreds of organisations across the UK dedicated to providing support. Find organisations in your local area on aDoddle.
#SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthSupport

Source; World Suicide Prevention Day – Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)

Positive Thinking Day
2026-09-13
Its Positive Thinking Day 🙂
Negative thinking has a way of sapping away a person’s self-worth and distorting a person’s view of the world. It also has a tendency of poisoning everything in that person that’s good and decent. Fortunately, that’s a process that can be stopped with a little bit of positive thinking. Positive thinking, when properly applied with purpose, can help a person feel better about themselves and can make them feel like the best version of themselves. And that’s why Positive Thinking Day is such an important day.

This unofficial holiday falls on the 13th of September and is designed to help everyone replace their negative thinking with more positive thoughts.
#BeMorePositive #PositiveThinkingDay

World Alzheimer's Day
2026-09-21
Today is #WorldAlzheimersDay.
It’s an international awareness day aimed at reducing the stigma around Alzheimer’s and raising awareness of the disease.
Did you know that while Alzheimer’s Disease is often associated with ageing, approximately 1-in-20 people with the disease is under the age of 65?
Globally, dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face, with nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide. To tackle this international dementia challenge, we need to work together and share best practice with one another.
While Alzheimer’s is a far too common disease among older people, it is not a normal part of the ageing process, and any signs of memory loss should be taken seriously. There may be no cure for Alzheimer’s, but it can be treated to reduce some symptoms.
#AlzheimersAwareness #MentalHealthAwareness #DementiaAwareness
Source: NHS

World Alzheimer’s Day | Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
