aDoddle - Community Mapping

Burns Night
2026-01-25
The 25th January is known nationally as Burns Night.

Known in medieval Celtic culture as a story teller, verse maker and composer, the word ‘Bard’ has become synonymous with the world’s greatest poets. However, few are as celebrated as Scotland’s own ‘National Bard’, Robert Burns, who we pay tribute to on 25 January each year.

Born in Ayrshire in 1759, Robert Burns is Scotland’s national bard. Affectionately known as ‘the Ploughman Poet’, his verses stand as a fitting testament to Scotland’s proud literary history.

Auld Lang Syne, perhaps Burns’ most famous work, is one of the most widely sung songs of the English language. The song has crossed borders and oceans and can be heard across the globe on Hogmanay and New Year.

Source: https://www.scotland.org/events/burns-night

#BurnsNight #Scotland #VisitScotland #AuldLangSyne #RobertBurns

Holocaust Memorial Day
2026-01-27
Holocaust Memorial Day (#HMD) takes place on 27 January each year and is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Holocaust Memorial Day is a time when we seek to learn the lessons of the past and recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own – it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented. We’re fortunate here in the UK; we are not at immediate risk of genocide. However, discrimination has not ended, nor has the use of the language of hatred or exclusion. There is still much to do to create a safer future and HMD is an opportunity to start this process.

The aims of HMD are laid out in the statement of commitment. HMD activity organisers bring together the diverse strands of their communities to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day in their neighbourhoods. This is a real demonstration of how the lessons of the past can inform our lives today and ensure that everyone works together to create a safer, better future.

Each year thousands of activities take place for HMD, bringing people from all backgrounds together to learn lessons from the past in creative, reflective and inspiring ways. From schools to libraries, workplaces to local authorities, HMD activities offer a real opportunity to honour the experiences of people affected by the Holocaust and genocide, and challenge ourselves to work for a safer, better future.

#HolocaustMemorialDay #HumanRights #History #OnThisDay #HMD2026

Source: Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | What is Holocaust Memorial Day?

Dignity Action Month
2026-02-01
Dignity Action Day has now become Dignity Action Month, and is an annual observance dedicated to promoting and upholding the principles of dignity and respect in the delivery of care services, particularly in healthcare and social care settings. The month serves as a reminder of the importance of treating every individual with #Compassion, understanding, and respect, regardless of their age, health condition, or personal circumstances.
This year’s theme – 3 Little Deeds -Spread kindness, respect and compassion – promote Dignity.
Dignity Action Month is an annual opportunity for health and social care workers, and members of the public to uphold people’s rights to dignity and provide a truly memorable day for people who use care services.
Dignity Action Month aims to ensure people who use care services are treated as individuals and are given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives.
#DignityActionMonth #DignityActionDay #Dignity #DignifiedCare
Source: https://www.dignityincare.org.uk/Dignity-in-Care-events/Dignity_Action_Day/

National Sickie Day
2026-02-02
Statistically, in the UK, the first Monday in February is the day most likely for employees to call in sick – and has subsequently been coined ‘National Sickie Day.’
One of the reasons is the first payday since Christmas, “meaning people have been out celebrating all weekend with a particularly heavy one”.
Since physical illness is a much more socially acceptable reason for taking the day off work, many people use this as a reason instead of telling their boss that they are struggling with mental health issues. But taking a mental health day certainly is an acceptable reason to call off from work.
Many people find that taking one day of sick leave for stress or mental health can save a great deal of sick time that might be taken later in the year if those pressures build into something worse. So don’t be afraid to call off work every now and then. Especially on National Sickie Day!

#MentalHealth #GoodWellbeing #MondayMotivation #Mental Health

World Cancer Day
2026-02-04
World Cancer Day is held every year on the 4th of February, and it aims to raise international awareness concerning all types of cancer, those who suffer from it, and prevention and treatment.
Created in 2000, World Cancer Day has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to face one of our greatest challenges in history.
Each year, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities, organisations and individuals in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces, parks, community halls, places of worship – in the streets and online – acting as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer.
The World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027, “United by Unique” places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference.
Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis—it’s a deeply personal matter. Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story – stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more.
That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes.
Every experience with cancer is unique and it will take all of us, united, to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. A world where the needs of people and communities are at the centre of health systems.
#WorldCancerDay #UnitedByUnique #CancerAwareness #CancerResearch #CancerCare
Source: https://www.worldcancerday.org/about-us

Mind - Time to Talk Day
2026-02-05
The 5th February 2026 is Time to Talk Day, which is about creating supportive communities with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health.
Time to Talk Day is an annual awareness day held at the beginning of February each year. It’s a day for us all to start a conversation about mental health. Talking about mental health isn’t easy. But a conversation has the power to change lives.
Time to Talk Day is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op.

One in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year.
We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health – whenever they like.
Talking about mental health helps to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when we need it.
Opening up the conversation about mental health problems is important – by talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.

#MindCharity #TimeToTalkDay #MentalHealth #TimeToTalk

Source: Time to Talk Day – Mind

International Day of Women and Girls in Science
2026-02-11
Today the 11th February marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
This day was established in order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in, science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Did you know?

Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues and, while they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women.
In cutting edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman.
Despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics
Female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers. Their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals and they are often passed over for promotions.

Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day

Valentine's Day
2026-02-14
February 14th is Valentine’s Day, which was originally a Christian feast day in honour of St. Valentine, however in contemporary culture it’s more so a day that celebrates our loved ones but also our lost loved ones & the memories we’ve made with them.
Whether you’re celebrating romantic love for your partner, platonic love for a friend, or familial love for a member of your family, we hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

#ValentinesDay #CelebrateLove

Random Acts of Kindness Day
2026-02-17
Today 17th February is all about spreading kindness, as it’s Random Acts of Kindness Day!
There are so many things you can do to contribute to making the world a kinder place. It doesn’t have to be large, and it can even be something for yourself, like taking time out to visit your favourite spot.
Stuck for ideas? Check out the kindness ideas from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for inspiration. The aim of #RAKDay is to make kindness the norm, spread goodwill and consideration of others, and remind people that these are worthwhile aims.

#MakeKindnessTheNorm #RAKDay #KindnessMatters #RandomActsofKindnessDay

National Love Your Pet Day
2026-02-20
On February 20th, we celebrate National Love Your Pet Day, a day to embrace one special trait that makes us human: our love of our pets! There are many things that differentiate humans from the rest of the Animal Kingdom, but one of the more unusual behaviours is our longstanding tendency to keep other animals as pets.
According to a UK Pet Food report, 16.2 million (57%) of UK households reported owning a pet in January 2023, accounting for about 38 million pets total throughout the country. It only makes sense to commemorate something that’s so important to so many people, so on February 20th, we celebrate our pets with National Love Your Pet Day!
Pets have been a part of human life for thousands of years. Ever since we’ve made our first steps into civilisation, animals have been right there alongside us. And look at those faces! Who could blame us?
Nobody really knows exactly what animal the very first pet was. But, one animal, the wolf, lived alongside early humans for centuries. Even as far back as 12,000 years ago, dogs and cats were buried in their human counterparts’ graves. It seems that even early humans had a deep attachment to their furry friends.
Whether cats, dogs, birds, or even spiders, lets celebrate our furry/feathered friends and shower them with love and affection on this day!
#NationalLoveYourPetDay #AnimalWelfare #FurryFriends #PetsAreFamily #PetCare #SpoilYourPet

Care Day
2026-02-20
Care Day, observed on the third Friday in February is a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the vital work of #Carers and Caregivers who provide essential support to individuals in need, whether due to illness, disability, old age, or other circumstances. This day highlights the often unseen and underappreciated role that caregivers play in enhancing the quality of life for those they care for, ensuring that they are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
#CareDay serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of caregiving, acknowledge the emotional and physical challenges caregivers face, and advocate for better support and resources for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. It also offers a moment to reflect on the importance of self-care for caregivers, as caring for others can sometimes come at the expense of their own well-being.
This day encourages communities, organisations, and individuals to express their gratitude, offer support, and promote policies that ensure carers have the resources they need to continue their work with health, strength, and compassion.
#ThankACaregiver #SupportCaregivers #CaregivingHeroes #CaringForOthers
Source: Care Day | Awareness Days

International Mother Language Day
2026-02-21
Today, the 21st February, is International Mother Language Day, and was founded in 2000. It is observed every February to celebrate language and encourage the learning of multiple languages and the maintenance of mother languages, especially those that are endangered.
This year’s International Mother Language Day highlights the role of young people in shaping the future of multilingual education. Youth voices on multilingual education emphasizes that language is more than a means of communication: it is central to identity, learning, well-being and participation in society. The celebration underscores the importance of education systems that recognise and value every learner’s language to support inclusion and learning outcomes.
Ahead of International Mother Language Day, schools worldwide are invited to join the online UNESCO Campus event on 13 February. Students aged 13–18 can participate, engage via chat, and exchange with international experts and peers from all UNESCO regions. The event offers a space for young people to share experiences and identify concrete actions to promote linguistic diversity in their schools and communities.
#Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.

Source: International Mother Language Day | UNESCO

Stand Up to Bullying Day
2026-02-27
Today, 27th February, is Stand Up to Bullying Day, launched in 2016 with the support of HRH The Duke of Cambridge. The day seeks to bring the nation together to take a collective stand against all forms of bullying, whether in school, the workplace, online or elsewhere. Bullying can have lasting effects on a person’s psyche, and it is important to recognize instances of bullying and put an end to them immediately.
One of the main tenets of Stand Up to Bullying Day is calling out others when their actions are unkind. So standing up to bullying isn’t as simple as not being a part of the problem, what’s imperative is having the courage to call out others. Standing up means being an upstander, not a bystander.
#AntiBullying #BeKind #AlwaysBeKind #CyberBullying

Source: INTERNATIONAL STAND UP TO BULLYING DAY – February 27, 2026 – National Today

Rare Disease Day
2026-02-28
RARE DISEASE DAY IS TAKING PLACE ON 28th FEBRUARY 2026
Did you know that there are 3.5 million people in the UK living with a rare condition? And that 1 in 17 people will be affected by a rare condition at some point in their lives?
Rare Disease Day is a globally coordinated movement dedicated to rare diseases, striving for equity in social opportunities, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.
Since its creation in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a crucial role in building an international rare disease community—multi-disease, global, and diverse, yet united in purpose.
Though Rare Disease Day is patient-led, everyone—including individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry representatives, and the general public—can participate in raising awareness and taking action for this vulnerable population in urgent need of attention.
By spreading the word on social media, organising events, illuminating buildings, monuments, and homes, sharing experiences online and with friends, calling on policymakers, and shining a light on people living with a rare disease, we collectively aim to change and improve the lives of 300 million people worldwide.
Why not get involved and share your story ! Write a blog, post your story on Social Media, speak at an event or fundraise for your cause.
#RareDiseaseDay #StoriesBehindTheStats #RareConditions #GeneticConditions
Source: Rare Disease Day 2026

International Wheelchair Day
2026-03-01
On the first day of March we’re celebrating International Wheelchair Day! Today is all about celebrating the positive impact that a wheelchair has on the lives of those that use them, and celebrating those who make wheelchairs more readily available, thereby making the world a more accessible place.
The Aims of International Wheelchair Day

To enable wheelchair users to celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has in their lives.
To celebrate the great work of the many millions of people who provide wheelchairs, who provide support and care for wheelchair users and who make the World a better and more accessible place for people with mobility issues.
To acknowledge and react constructively to the fact there are many tens of millions of people in the World who need a wheelchair, but are unable to acquire one.

See: International Wheelchair Day 3/1/2026 – Raising Awareness for Accessibility and Inclusive Communities – March 1st, 2026

World Hearing Day
2026-03-03
Every year on 3rd March its World Hearing Day, which exists to raise awareness on how to prevent #Deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.
This year, WHD highlights the theme “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children.”
The campaign focuses on two imperatives:

Preventing avoidable childhood hearing loss
Ensuring early identification of and care for children with ear or hearing problems
Schools and communities are natural entry points to reach children, parents, and teachers. By integrating hearing care into school health and child health programmes, we can help children hear, learn, and succeed.

Ear and hearing problems are among the most common problems encountered in the community.
Over 60% of these can be identified and addressed at the primary level of care.
Integration of ear and hearing care into primary care services is possible through training and capacity building at this level.
Such integration will benefit people and help countries move towards the goal of universal health coverage.

Key messages:

Globally, over 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unmet.
Unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual cost of nearly US$1 trillion globally.
Deeply ingrained societal misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets are key factors that limit efforts for preventing and addressing hearing loss.
Changing mindsets related to ear and hearing care is crucial to improving access and mitigating the cost of unaddressed hearing loss.

Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all!

Source: https://worldhearingday.org/

World Book Day
2026-03-05
The 5th March this year is World Book Day!
#WorldBookDay changes lives through a love of books and shared reading. Their mission is to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.
Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income. We want to see more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a life-long habit of reading for pleasure and the improved life chances this brings them.
#Literacy #WorldBookDay2026 #ReadingForPleasure
See: World Book Day 2026 – Ideas and Teaching Activities | National Literacy Trust

International Women's Day
2026-03-08
The 8th March is International Women’s Day! The day focuses on celebrating women and striving for a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality.
International Women’s Day 2026 theme is ‘Give To Gain’ – When we give, we gain.
Together, let’s help forge gender equality through abundant giving.
The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.
What will you Give to Gain gender equality?
International Women’s Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women’s advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about women’s equality. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD so inclusive.
#IWD2026
Find out more: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

National Day of Reflection
2026-03-08
On 8th March 2026, let’s all come together for the 6th UK National Day of Reflection.
It was first celebrated in 2021 to mark the first anniversary of the first lockdown. It’s a special moment to remember everyone who died during the #Pandemic.
We’re encouraging everyone to take part in a minute’s silence, share the name of who you’re remembering on the day and plan a reflective event or activity.
It’s an opportunity to remember our loved ones who’ve died, support people who are grieving, and connect with each other. Please join us once again to mark the day with a minute’s silence at noon, a nationwide network of Walls of Reflection, and a series of grief-themed online programmes.

See : COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2026

World Kidney Day
2026-03-12
World Kidney Day is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our #kidneys.
On March 12th, we invite everyone to celebrate World Kidney Day and advance kidney health education. This years theme is “Are Your Kidneys OK?” -Detect early, protect
kidney health.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to affect approximately 850 million people worldwide[1]. If left undetected and not treated timely, CKD can progress to kidney failure, leading to severe complications and premature mortality. By 2040, CKD is projected to become the 5th leading cause of years of life lost[2], highlighting the urgent need for global strategies to combat kidney disease.
Populations at high risk for kidney disease should undergo targeted testing.
The major risk factors for kidney disease are:

Diabetes
Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Obesity
Family history of kidney disease.

Simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective tests for high-risk populations include:

Blood pressure measurements to check for hypertension.
Body Mass Index (BMI), which is an estimation of body fat based on height and weight. BMI can be calculated here.
Urine test:

Albumin in urine (Albuminuria) to assess kidney damage. Urinary Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) is preferrable.

Blood tests:

Glycosylated haemoglobin or fasting or random glucose to check for type 2 diabetes.
Serum creatinine (more accurate if in combination with cystatin C) to estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and evaluate kidney function.

Early detection policies for individuals at risk should be implemented globally to reduce the healthcare costs associated with kidney failure and improve quality of life.
Lets talk about our experiences with friends, family, colleagues, social media followers and local media – sharing what it is like to live with kidney disease will really help to raise awareness.
#WorldKidneyDay #KidneysMatter #KidneyTransplation #KidneyHealth
Source: 2025 campaign – World Kidney Day 2025

World Sleep Day
2026-03-13
March 13th is World Sleep Day! This day is designed to raise awareness of #Sleep as a human privilege that is often compromised by the habits of modern life. The benefits of healthy sleep cannot be overstated, it is a foundational pillar of human health and aids in focus throughout the day.
The theme for this World Sleep Day is Sleep Well, Live Better.
World Sleep Day is an opportunity to promote sleep health alongside thousands of other sleep health professionals and advocates. When we all promote sleep health and #WorldSleepDay together, our combined effort is greater than the sum of its parts. Spread the word about sleep health on World Sleep Day, and help elevate the conversation around sleep!
Just like eating well and exercising, sleep is a behaviour that is foundational to one’s physical, mental, and social well-being. However, sleep is not yet commonly considered an essential behaviour for good health.
World Sleep Day is an opportunity to promote sleep health alongside thousands of other sleep health professionals and advocates. When we all promote sleep health and #WorldSleepDay together, our combined effort is greater than the sum of its parts. Spread the word about sleep health on World Sleep Day, and help elevate the conversation around sleep!

Learn more here: https://worldsleepday.org/

Mother's Day
2026-03-15
Mothering Sunday, more commonly known as Mother’s Day, is observed in The UK every year on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which means it is a moveable feast. As such it is always three weeks before Easter Sunday.
It is a day for celebrating #Mothers and showering them with gifts and treats.
The origins of Mothering Sunday
Celebrations of motherhood go back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Greeks had festivals honouring Rhea and Cybele, known as the mother goddesses, and the Romans celebrated mothers during the festival of Hilaria.
The roots of Mothering Sunday can be found in the church. It was originally a day when Christians would return to their ‘mother’ church, the church in their hometown, or where their family worshiped. As such it also became a time when wealthy landowners would give their younger servants the day off so that they could go home to attend church with their families.
In time, it evolved to become a church celebration of mothers and #Motherhood. It was a day when the church would pray for mothers and hand out flowers, commonly daffodils, to not only the mothers in the church but all women. It also became a more secular occasion, a time when people would not return home to attend church, but return home to spend time with their mothers.
No matter whether the day is referred to as #MotheringSunday or as #MothersDay, the principle message remains the same, respect and appreciate your mother and other women in your life who have helped you to become the person you are.

St Patrick's Day
2026-03-17
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century.

The #Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On #StPatricksDay, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to #Ireland as a slave at 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.

Source: When is St. Patrick’s Day 2026? | Sky HISTORY TV Channel

First Day of Spring (Spring Equinox)
2026-03-20
The Spring Equinox occurs on the 20th of March, marking the transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The Spring Equinox varies its date slightly each year but typically falls around March 20th.
This astronomical event holds cultural and spiritual significance across various traditions, symbolising renewal, balance, and the awakening of nature. It’s a time of equal daylight and darkness, signalling the return of longer days and warmer temperatures. The Spring Equinox is celebrated as a time of new beginnings, growth, and rejuvenation.
To commemorate the Spring Equinox and embrace the spirit of renewal across social media and digital platforms, here are some content ideas:

Share stunning photos of springtime landscapes, flowers, and wildlife.
Offer tips for spring cleaning, gardening, and outdoor activities to celebrate the season.
Host virtual events or workshops focused on topics like mindfulness, meditation, and personal growth.
Share rituals or traditions from different cultures that honour the Spring Equinox.
Encourage followers to reflect on their intentions and goals for the season ahead.

#SpringEquinox #WelcomeSpring #NewBeginnings

Source: Spring Equinox – First Day of Spring | Awareness Days

World Down Syndrome Day
2026-03-21
For World Down Syndrome Day 2026, The theme is what we are asking supporters to talk about on and around World Down Syndrome Day. This year we are calling on everyone around the world to stand
Together Against Loneliness
Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But for many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience.
Their families can feel lonely too, and feel cut off from support.
Loneliness can feel like different things:
– Not having a group of friends or a community to belong to.
– Not having a close, special person to share your feelings with.
Loneliness is a serious problem.
Loneliness is not just a sad feeling. It is bad for our health and happiness. It can make people feel anxious or depressed. It can also harm physical health.
#DownSyndrome #DifferentlyAbled #WouldntChangeAThing #EndTheStereotypes #ImproveOurSupportSystems
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
Find Out More Here: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

British Summer Time Begins
2026-03-29
Daylight savings start today in the UK with the start of British Summer Time.
Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on 29th March 2026 than the day before. Meaning that there will be less light first thing and more light in the evening.
History of Daylight Savings:
‘Spring forward, fall back’. In spring, the clocks go forward one hour and British Summer Time begins. In autumn (fall), the clocks go back as British Summer Time comes to an end and the UK reverts back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
But when did this practice begin, and why? British Summer Time, also known as Daylight Saving Time, was the brainchild of a builder from Kent called William Willett. The story goes that one day on his way back from riding his horse in Petts Wood near his home in the early 1900s, he noticed many of the blinds and curtains in the neighbouring houses were still drawn, even though it was light. This led him to consider the idea of adapting the time to better fit daylight hours. Back then the clocks were set all year round to Greenwich Mean Time, meaning it was light by 3am and dark around 9pm in the summer.
Source: https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/British-Summer-Time/

World Bipolar Day
2026-03-30
The vision of World Bipolar Day is to bring world awareness to #Bipolar disorders and to eliminate social stigma.
Bipolar is a severe mental illness characterised by extreme mood swings and changes in energy levels. Someone with bipolar can have long or short periods of stability but can then go ‘low’ (into deep depression) or ‘high’ (experiencing hypomania, mania or psychosis).
Bipolar mood swings go far beyond most people’s everyday experiences of feeling a bit down or happy. To help explain the extremes of mood, Bipolar UK uses a Mood Scale where 0 is low and 10 is high.
People without bipolar have moods that sit in the middle of the scale. On their worst days when they feel down, they rank 4. On their best days when they feel happy, they rank 6.
People with bipolar experience a much wider range of moods — from 0 (deep depression with recurring suicidal thoughts) to 10 (an extreme manic high with psychosis and hallucinations). They can also experience a ‘mixed state’ too, where symptoms of depression and mania occur at the same time.
#WorldBiPolarDay #Bipolar #MoodDisorder

Find out more at: https://www.bipolaruk.org/bipolar-awareness-day

April Fools Day
2026-04-01
April Fools’ Day—celebrated on April 1 each year—has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, though its exact origins remain a mystery. April Fools’ Day traditions include playing hoaxes or practical jokes on others, often yelling “April Fools!” at the end to clue in the subject of the April Fools’ Day prank. While its exact history is shrouded in mystery, the embrace of April Fools’ Day jokes by the media and major brands has ensured the unofficial holiday’s long life. *1
Some of the Best – Shared by BBC
The Swiss spaghetti harvest
In 1957 Richard Dimbleby, Panoram, anchored the piece about a particularly bountiful crop of spaghetti in Switzerland. *2
The islands of San Serriffe
If you think typefaces can’t be funny, think again.
In 1977, the Guardian published a travel guide to the mysterious island grouping of San Serriffe. The two islands, Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse, formed the shape of a semicolon. *2

*Source:
*1 https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/april-fools-day
*2 https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z7gbxyc

World Autism Awareness Day
2026-04-02
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on April 2 every year, that encourages Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout the world.
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) aims to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism and others living with autism face every day. As a growing global health issue owing to its increasing exposure in the press and common knowledge, autism is an issue that is only gaining more understanding and WAAD activities are planned every year to further increase and develop world knowledge of children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What’s more, World Autism Awareness Day goes one step further to celebrate the unique talents of those with autism, while putting a huge focus on the warm embrace and welcome that these skills deserve through community events around the globe.

#LightItUpBlue #WAAD #WorldAutismAwarenessDay
Sources*
https://www.autism.org.uk/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Autism_Awareness_Day

National Walk to Work Day
2026-04-03
Getting involved in National Walk to Work Day on April 3rd could help put you on the right track to a healthier you. With the clocks changing and the mornings getting lighter, there’s no better time to take part in an event like this – you never know it could lead to a new-found enthusiasm for walking and become a daily or weekly occurrence.
Make it a habit
The easiest way to walk more is to make walking a habit.
Think of ways to include walking in your daily routine.
Examples include:

walking part of your journey to work
walking to the shops
using the stairs instead of the lift
leaving the car behind for short journeys
walking the kids to school
doing a regular walk with a friend
going for a stroll with family or friends after dinner

#WalkToWork #GetHealthy #WalkToWorkDay
•Source
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/walking-for-health/
