aDoddle - Community Mapping

Raynaud's Awareness Month
2026-02-01 - 2026-02-28
Raynaud’s Awareness Month is observed in February in the United Kingdom to drive awareness about the condition, increase advocacy for people suffering from it, and promote the need for a cure. Up to 10 million people in the UK have a form of Raynaud’s and yet research shows that nearly half of UK adults don’t know any of the signs of Raynaud’s Disease. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to raise awareness.

Raynaud’s disease (Ray-nodes) means that the small blood vessels in the extremities such as the hands, feet, fingers or toes are over-sensitive to even the slightest changes in temperature, cold conditions and sometimes emotional stress.

When our bodies are exposed to the cold, a normal response is for the blood vessels to become narrower. When someone has Raynaud’s this reaction may be much more extreme. It will sometimes cause a noticeable colour change to the affected areas, with the skin turning white, then blue and finally to red as the circulation returns. This is known as a Raynaud’s attack.

Too many people just live with Raynaud’s without knowing what it is and how they can manage the symptoms better. For roughly 300,000 of them it’s a sign of an underlying condition. By sharing your stories of what it is like to live with Raynaud’s we are encouraging others to take action.

#KnowRaynauds #Raynauds #ColdWeather

Source: Raynaud’s | SRUK

LGBT+ History Month
2026-02-01 - 2026-02-28
LGBT+ History Month is a month that’s important to us. Celebrating all parts of who we are is vital to the fight for mental health. And this month, we’re doing just that.
It’s a month when we can all remember the people who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights in the past. A chance for people of all ages to learn more about the rich history of LGBTQIA+ communities. And a moment to remember just how far we’ve come over the years.

LGBTQIA+ mental health
LGBT+ History Month is also a moment to lift up people’s stories about their mental health.
Being LGBTQIA+ does not cause mental health problems. But some things you may go through as an LGBTQIA+ person can make you more likely to experience a mental health problem.
Some things you may go through if you’re LGBTQIA+ include:

Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
Experiences of stigma and discrimination
Difficult experiences of coming out
Social isolation, exclusion and rejection
‘Conversion therapy’
Difficulties getting the healthcare you need for reasons such as discrimination, or long waiting lists for gender treatment if you’re trans

In fact, because of these issues LGBTQIA+ people are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience a mental health problem.
And many young people experience a lack of inclusive environments – from home to school and beyond. Nearly a quarter of young people who are at risk of homelessness identify as LGBTQIA+.
The impact that discrimination and isolation has on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people is clear, and avoidable. That’s why we all need to do more to make sure things change – for the better.
Please remember you’re not alone.
If you’re LGBTQIA+ and are finding things tough, we have information and tips for you. And a list of places where you can get support below.

Source: Celebrating LGBT+ History Month | Campaigns | Mind

National Endometriosis Awareness Month
2026-03-01 - 2026-03-31
National Endometriosis Awareness Month is observed from 1st March each year.

It helps to raise awareness about this condition that can be hidden and often unrecognised.

#Endometriosis is a disease that affects women when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows on the outer part of the uterus instead of inside it. Symptoms include pain, like dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic or abdominal pain. Endometriosis is known to lead to infertility. The prevalence rate ranges from 25% to 40% for women with subfertility.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month helps to spread information about endometriosis as a debilitating, and disabling disease. It recognises the consequences of living with endometriosis for the patient, care provider, and all those affected by the disease. This March, Endometriosis UK are hosting events for political representatives across all 4 nations to raise awareness of endometriosis with those in power. Take action by asking your elected representatives to attend events in March using our easy-to-use form.

#WomensHealth #Endo #EndoWarrior #Infertility #MenstrualHealth

Ending endometriosis starts by saying it | Endometriosis UK (endometriosis-uk.org)

National Women's History Month
2026-03-01 - 2026-03-31
The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2026 celebrates Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.
It expands our understanding of sustainability beyond just environmental concerns. It encompasses financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. Whether developing green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, or building civic power – women are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation. This theme affirms that shaping a sustainable future means fostering systems that support both people and the planet.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Honour: Celebrate the diverse contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and social justice movements.

Educate: Raise awareness about the important historical and contemporary roles of women in shaping sustainable change.

Inspire: Empower individuals and institutions on how to take action toward sustainability, equity, and justice in their own spheres of influence.

Connect: Build bridges across generations, geographies, and disciplines to foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning.

Envision: Encourage a long-term vision for our future where women’s leadership is central to thriving communities and a healthy planet.

Who are the women in your community or organisation that you will honour?
Source: Women’s History Theme 2026 – National Women’s History Alliance

Stress Awareness Month
2026-04-01 - 2026-04-30
Stress and poor mental health are one of the biggest public health challenges that we’re facing. Sadly, even though that is the case, we are still not taking its impact seriously enough. We continue to separate mental health from physical health and vice versa. The reality is they cannot be separate – they are two sides of the same coin. There is no health without mental health and stress can lead to numerous health problems. From physical problems, like heart disease, insomnia, digestive issues, immune system challenges, etc to more serious mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. It is the time when we have an opportunity for an open conversation on the impact of stress. Dedicated time to removing the guilt, shame, and stigma around mental health. To talk about stress, and its effects and open up about our mental and emotional state with friends, families, colleagues, and professionals.
This year, 2026, the theme is #BeTheChange, inspired by Gandhi’s idea to “be the change you wish to see in the world.”
#StressAwarenessMonth #Anxiety #Depression #Insomnia #LeadWithLove #MentalHealthMatters #ConnectedCommunities
Source* Stress Awareness Month 2026 – The Stress Management Society

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
2026-04-01 - 2026-04-30
Every 15 minutes somebody is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, that’s nearly 43,000 people each year.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and help to drive positive change through education, encouraging conversations, asking questions, sharing and so much more. They say knowledge is power, so this April we’re asking everyone to share important information about bowel cancer. Will you help #PassItOn?
Symptoms Associated with #BowelCancer:
#AbdominalPain
Abdominal mass (lump)
Anaemia
Bowel mass (lump)
Change in bowel habit
#RectalBleeding
Weight loss
National Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, said: “As with all cancers, acting at the first sign of symptoms can make a big difference to how bowel cancer can be treated and how successfully. You are much more likely to survive a cancer that is diagnosed early, which is why the NHS and charities like Bowel Cancer UK have run awareness campaigns about the signs to look for.”
“Referrals for bowel cancer tests have been at record levels for the last 18 months, and we would encourage people to speak to a GP about any concerning symptoms: knowing what is normal for you and acting when something isn’t right can make all the difference.”

Source*
https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/support-us/bowel-cancer-awareness-month/

National Pet Month
2026-04-01 - 2026-04-30
National Pet Month celebrates and raises awareness of responsible pet ownership through educational campaigns and resources across various platforms.
National Pet Month celebrates pet ownership, sharing the many benefits of our cherished companions across the UK.
Whether they’re providing laughs with their zoomies or snuggling up to us when they sense we’re sad, pets contribute so much love and benefit to their owner’s lives. National Pet Month is the perfect time to celebrate your furry little family members and all the joy they bring to our lives.

#NationalPetMonth
Source*
https://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/

National Walking Month
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-31
#Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve physical and mental health and stay connected to our #Community, helping us feel less lonely and isolated. And by swapping a short drive for a short walk, you can also help reduce air pollution, congestion and road danger – and save yourself some money and keep active in the process!
Did you know that a 20-minute walk can reduce the risk of a number of preventable health conditions, including certain cancers, depression, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes?
Living Streets have put together 20 tips to help you fit 20 minutes of walking into your day. From inviting friends and family for a walk to taking a post-work stroll, how many #Try20 tips can you do during National Walking Month?
Find out more about how you can get involved during the month here: https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/national-walking-month
#NationalWalkingMonth #NWM2026 #WalkOut

National Share a Story Month
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-31
Organised by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, National Share a Story Month is an annual event designed to celebrate the fabulous world of children’s fiction and to inspire a love of reading by sharing stories. In 2026, the theme of National Share a Story Month is Once Upon a Storytime. Running throughout May 2026, NSSM will shine a spotlight on the joy of reading aloud and the power of stories to bring people together. This nationwide celebration invites children, families, schools, and communities to connect through books, storytelling, and the spoken word.
Across the country Federation book groups and individuals run a whole host of events. Each year they are inspired by a specific theme and work with different organisations to provide people with resources and opportunities.
#NSSM2026 #LoveReading #NationalShareAStoryMonth #ReadingForPleasure
Find out more about the FCGB – https://fcbg.org.uk/
Source: National Share-a-Story Month – The Federation of Children’s Book Groups

Local and Community History Month
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-31
May is Local and Community History Month!
The aim of the month is to increase awareness of local history and promote history in general to local communities helping to encourage everyone to participate.
Activities happen across the UK and include trips, library exhibitions and local lectures. It is a great way for groups to highlight local history and for local people to get involved.
#LocalHistoryMonth #DiscoverHistory #History #HistoryForFun
Source & Discover More: https://www.history.org.uk/historian/resource/1567/local-and-community-history-month
