Eating Disorders Awareness Week
2026-02-23 - 2026-03-01
The 23rd February marks the start of Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The week was established to raise awareness of eating disorders and to campaign for the improvement of the treatment in this field. A large part of the campaign is calling for all UK medical schools to introduce proper training on eating disorders, this type of change would improve access to treatment and break the pattern of misdiagnosis.
In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder That’s at least 1 in 50 people. And yet many people wouldn’t know how to spot the signs that someone has an eating disorder. This is important because the sooner someone is treated for an eating disorder the better their chance of making a full recovery.
The campaign aims to reach new audiences with the message that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone – at any age, gender, or background – at any time.
So join us to raise awareness of this serious mental health condition and let people know that anyone can be affected by an eating disorder.
#EatingDisordersAwarenessWeek #ARFID #EatingDisorders #MentalHealth
Source: https://edaw.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

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

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

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

Empathy Week
2026-03-09 - 2026-03-15
Empathy Week is an innovative educational festival that encourages students, educators, and communities to explore the power of #Empathy and how it can transform relationships, societies, and the world. Held annually, this week-long event brings together schools, communities, and global thought leaders to engage in various activities designed to develop empathy and emotional intelligence in young people.
Empathy Week offers a range of educational resources, including workshops, talks, and interactive sessions, to help participants understand the importance of empathy in everyday life. By incorporating storytelling, group discussions, and reflective exercises, the event provides students with the tools they need to build meaningful connections with others, resolve conflicts, and become compassionate leaders.
The goal of Empathy Week is not only to raise awareness but to create lasting change, fostering a generation of individuals who are mindful, kind, and capable of making a positive impact in their communities. Through these efforts, the event strives to build the #EmpathyGeneration, a global movement committed to using empathy to address social challenges and promote understanding.
#EmpathyGeneration #CompassionateLeadership #EducatingWithEmpathy #BuildingEmpathy
Source: Empathy Week | Awareness Days

Young Carers Action Day
2026-03-11
Young Carers Action Day is celebrated every year in mid-March, shining a spotlight on the invaluable contributions and challenges faced by young carers around the world. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role young carers play in providing care and support for family members or friends who have illnesses, disabilities, or other care needs.
During Young Carers Action Day, communities, organisations, and policymakers come together to recognise the unique experiences and needs of young carers and to advocate for their rights and well-being. From awareness-raising events and educational campaigns to policy discussions and support initiatives, the day serves as a platform to amplify the voices of young carers and address the issues they face.
Excited to support young carers and engage your audience on digital platforms? Here are some impactful content ideas to raise awareness and show support on Young Carers Action Day:

Share stories and testimonials from young carers, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and achievements in caring for loved ones
Host virtual events, workshops, or panel discussions featuring young carers, caregivers, and experts sharing insights and advice on caregiving and support services
Share resources and information about available support services, respite programs, and mental health resources for young carers and their families
Advocate for policy changes and investments to improve support and recognition for young carers in education, healthcare, and social services
Encourage followers to show their support for young carers by sharing messages of appreciation, participating in virtual events, and spreading awareness on social media

#YoungCarersActionDay #SupportYoungCarers #CaringForCarers #YoungCarersAwareness #YouthEmpowerment

Source: Young Carers Action Day | Awareness Days

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.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week
2026-03-16 - 2026-03-22
What is Neurodiversity Celebration Week?

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how #Neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

If we work together there is no limit to the change we can make.

It is time to recognise the many strengths and talents that come from thinking and perceiving the world differently. By celebrating the strengths of #Neurodivergent individuals, we can begin the seismic shift of changing the way neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported, empowering them to achieve their potential.
Together, we can change the narrative.

Source: Neurodiversity Celebration Week (neurodiversityweek.com)

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

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/

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/

World Health Day
2026-04-07
World Health Day 2026, observed on 7 April, calls on people everywhere to stand with science. Under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science”, this year’s observance launches a year‑long campaign celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. The campaign spotlights both scientific achievements and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action – through a strong focus on the One Health approach.
Anchoring the 2026 campaign are two major global moments: the International One Health Summit (7 April), hosted by WHO and the Government of France under the French G7 Presidency, and the inaugural Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres (7–9 April), gathering nearly 800 scientific institutions from over 80 countries. Together, these events form the largest scientific network ever convened around a United Nations agency, underscoring how science‑driven partnerships can build a healthier, safer future for all.
The campaign invites people everywhere to participate – by celebrating scientific achievements, engaging with evidence, sharing personal stories of how science improves lives, and joining the global conversation through #StandWithScience and #WorldHealthDay.
Campaign goals
The campaign calls on governments, scientists, health workers, partners, and the public to:

stand with science by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health;
rebuild trust in science and public health; and
support science-led solutions for a healthier future.

Source* World Health Day 2026: Together for health. Stand with science

National Siblings Day
2026-04-10
April 10th is National Siblings Day. A wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the value of sibling relationships, to highlight what an important role siblings play.
#Siblings who grow up with a disabled brother or sister often spend a lot of time coming second (or third or fourth…) to the needs of another. Their day-to-day life may centre around their brother or sister’s routine and their abilities. It can be challenging to share time with parents and some siblings may be helping out more around the home or with caring tasks.
As adults, siblings may have the longest-standing relationship with their disabled brother or sister across the lifespan, beyond that of care providers, professionals and other family members. Siblings are often advocates for their brother or sister’s needs whilst juggling a work and family life of their own.
Many siblings enjoy and value the unique connection and relationship they share with their brother or sister. National Siblings Day is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the value of sibling relationships, to highlight what an important role siblings play in the lives of their disabled brothers and sisters and to celebrate siblings in their own right too.

#ItsaSiblingThing
Source: Celebrate National Siblings Day on 10th April 2026 – Sibs

World Parkinsons Day
2026-04-11
Living with Parkinson’s is tougher than people think. But it doesn’t define you. You are still you. You can still do amazing things in spite of Parkinson’s.
#Parkinson’s is different for everyone. Different symptoms, different experiences. Diagnosis is scary and there’s currently no cure. Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging but one thing stands out. The Parkinson’s community is bright and brilliant.

This World Parkinson’s Day, we’re celebrating those moments of laughter and light that lift us up. That person who’s always there for you. A new challenge that you’ve faced head on and overcome, or found a different way around. Sharing experiences with a community who get it, because they’re going through it too. Not just on World Parkinson’s Day. But every day.

#WorldParkinsonsDay #TalkAboutParkinsons
Source*
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk
