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January

Dry January

Dry January in the UK is a public health campaign where people abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. It aims to promote healthier drinking habits and raise awareness about the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption.

‍Veganuary 

Veganuary is an annual campaign that encourages people to try a vegan diet for the month of January.

World Introvert Day (2^nd January)

World Introvert Day is observed on January 2^nd and is a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the strengths and contributions of introverts.

World Braille Day  (4^th January)

World Braille Day celebrates the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and visually impaired people.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20^th-26^th January)

An annual campaign in the UK aimed at raising awareness about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the importance of regular cervical screenings (smear tests). It typically includes educational activities and initiatives to encourage early detection and improve understanding of the disease.

February

LBGT+ History Month

LGBTQ+ History Month is an annual observance in October in the UK (and February in the US) that celebrates the history, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. 

World Cancer Day (4th February)

A global initiative to raise awareness, improve education, and promote action for cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

International Day of Human Fraternity (4th February)

Recognised across the United Nations, this is a day that promotes global unity, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. It was established to foster mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among different cultures and religions, inspired by the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.

Race Equality Week (3rd-9th February)

A week that encourages organisations to commit to making tangible changes that support racial equity and inclusion. 

Time to Talk Day (6th February)

an annual event in the UK that encourages open conversations about mental health. Held in February, it aims to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and foster supportive environments where people feel comfortable discussing their mental wellbeing.

Rare Disease Day (28th February)

Held on the last day of February every year, rare disease day aims to raise awareness about rare diseases and the challenges faced by those affected

March

Women’s History Month

Held annually in March in the United States, the UK, and Australia, WHM highlights the impact of women in various fields

International Wheelchair Day (1st March)

International Wheelchair Day takes place on the 1st of March each year and is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by wheelchair users and promoting their inclusion and rights. It celebrates the positive impact of wheelchairs on improving mobility and independence for people with disabilities.

Zero Discrimination Day (1st March)

A global event dedicated to celebrating diversity while advocating for the eradication of discrimination in all sectors. It highlights the importance of creating inclusive societies where everyone is treated equally and with respect, regardless of their background or identity.

World Hearing Day (3rd March)

International Women’s Day (8th March)

International Women's Day celebrates the achievements and contributions of women globally, while also advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. It highlights the progress made towards gender parity and addresses ongoing challenges that women face in many aspects of life.

MS Awareness Week (9th-15th March)

MS Awareness Week is an annual event dedicated to increasing understanding and raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic illness affecting the central nervous system.

Young carers action day (16th March)

Young Carers Action Day takes place in the UK and serves to highlight the challenges faced by young carers, as well as advocate support and recognition for the crucial role they have.D

International Day of Happiness (20th March)

Celebrated on March 20th, International Day of Happiness is a global event established by the United Nations to recognise the importance of happiness and wellbeing in people's lives.

World Down Syndrome Day (21st March)

The date, 3/21, symbolises the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21st each year to raise awareness about Down syndrome and promote the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals

International Trans Visibility Day (31st March)

International Trans Visibility Day is dedicated to celebrating and recognising the contributions, achievements, and experiences and challenges of transgender people. individuals globally.

World Autism Acceptance Week (31st March-6th April)

An annual event dedicated to promoting support for individuals with autism. It focuses on raising understanding around autism, celebrating the diversity of autistic individuals, and advocating for their inclusion and rights in society.

April

 World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April)

Observed on April 2^nd during World Autism Acceptance Week

World Health Day (7th April)

A global event organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about important health issues and promote health and wellbeing worldwide. Each year, it focuses on a specific theme to address critical health challenges and advocate for universal health coverage and improved health systems.

World Parkinson’s Day (11th April)

World Parkinson's Day takes place every year to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease, its symptoms, and its impact on those affected. It aims to educate the public, promote research, and support people living with Parkinson's disease globally.

Lesbian Visibility Week (22nd April)

May 

Celiac Awareness Month

The month focuses on educating the public about the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of the condition, as well as advocating for better support and research for those affected.

World Ovarian Cancer Day (8th May)

A day to support patients, learn from those who have been affected, and promote research and education to improve outcomes for those affected by the disease.

World Lupus Day (10th May)

Deaf Awareness Week (5th-11th May)

A week that focuses on raising awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf community, promoting accessibility, and celebrating deaf culture and achievements. The week includes various activities, educational campaigns, and events to foster better communication and support.

International Nurses Day (12th May)

Coinciding with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, International Nurses Day celebrates the vital role nurses play in healthcare and promote their welfare.

Mental Health Awareness Week (12th May)

Mental Health Awareness Week is an event in the UK, typically held in May, aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting mental wellbeing. Organised by Mind, the charity, it includes various activities and campaigns to educate the public and encourage open conversations about mental health.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (15th May)

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) highlights the need for accessible technology and design, promoting discussions and actions to ensure that digital environments are usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (17th May)

The Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia addresses discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and promotes equality and human rights for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. The date was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization's decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

World Blood Cancer Day (28th May)

World Blood Cancer Day raises awareness around blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma in an attempt to to educate the public, support research efforts, and improve the lives of those affected by these conditions through advocacy and fundraising activities.

World MS Day (30th May) 

June

Pride Month

Pride Month is celebrated each June to honour the LGBTQ+ community, recognising their history, achievements, and ongoing struggles for equal rights. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and includes events like parades, educational activities, and cultural celebrations to promote diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.

Learning Disability Week (16th June)

Learning Disability Week aims to challenge stereotypes, provide support, and highlight the contributions and potential of individuals with learning disabilities.

Autistic Pride Day (18th June)

Autistic Pride Day promotes the rights of autistic individuals. It aims to celebrate neurodiversity, raise awareness about autism, and advocate for the inclusion and acceptance of autistic people in society.

National PTSD Awareness Day (27th June)

National PTSD Awareness Day serves to promote better understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), educate the public on its impact, and promote resources for those affected. The day encourages discussions that reduce stigma around this mental health condition. 

July

International Friendship Day (30th July)

International Friendship Day is a day dedicated to recognising and appreciating the value of friendships across the globe. 

August

International Overdose Awareness Day (31st August)

International Overdose Awareness Day helps to spread awareness around drug overdoses, reduce the stigma associated with addiction, and recognise those who have died from overdose. It also seeks to promote education on prevention and support for those affected by substance use disorders. 

September

World Sexual Health Day (4th September)

World Sexual Health Day, observed on September 4th, aims to raise awareness about sexual health issues and promote access to sexual health services and education globally. It focuses on reducing stigma, improving sexual health knowledge, and advocating for sexual rights and wellbeing.

World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September)

World Suicide Prevention Day aims to reduce stigma and promote mental health support globally. It focuses on educating people about the signs of suicidal behaviour, encouraging open conversations, and providing resources to help prevent suicide and support those in crisis.

Stand Up To Cancer Day (12th September)

Stand Up To Cancer Day is a fundraising and awareness event dedicated to supporting cancer research and treatments. It aims to raise funds for innovative cancer research and to inspire people to join the fight against cancer through various activities, donations, and advocacy efforts.

International Week of the Deaf (20th-26th September)

A day organised by the World Federation of the Deaf and involves various activities and events globally to highlight deaf issues and advocate for equal opportunities.

World Alzheimer’s Day (21st September)

Bisexual Visibility Day (23rd September)

An annual event dedicated to promoting the visibility of bisexual individuals, addressing stereotypes and misconceptions, and advocating for equal rights and recognition within the LGBTQ+ community.

International Day of Sign Languages (23rd September)

International Day of Sign Languages is observed annually to celebrate and promote the use of sign languages around the world.

World Heart Day (29th September)

A day to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and promote heart health, it encourages individuals and communities to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles and supports initiatives to prevent heart disease and stroke.