List of awareness days

Here you can find out about national days around health and wellbeing, lend your support to some worthwhile causes and make some changes to improve your own health and wellbeing.

January
February
March
April
May
June

July
August
September
October
November
December

January
1 - 31	Dry January The UK's one-month booze-free challenge that helps millions reset their relationship with alcohol every year
1 - 31	Love Your Liver Month A British Liver Trust awareness campaign
13 - 20	National Obesity Awareness Week Whether it’s cooking more healthily, avoiding snacks, or being a little more physically active, join in National Obesity Awareness week and make your healthy New Year’s resolution now!
20 - 26	Cervical Cancer Prevention Week Do you know how cervical cancer can be prevented? During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week we want as many people as possible to know how they can reduce their risk of the disease and to educate others.
February
1 - 29	National Heart Month Show Some Love this February and help British Heart Foundation beat heartbreak forever
4	World Cancer Day World Cancer Day every 4 February is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). By raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action, we’re working together to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all – no matter who you are or where you live.
6	Time to Talk Day Mental health problems affect one in four of us, yet too many people are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless because of this. Time to Talk Day encourages everyone to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.
29	Rare Disease Day The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives.
March
1 - 31	Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Organised by Prostate Cancer UK, this special month aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer, as well as raise money so the charity can provide even better support to both sufferers and their families.
1 - 31	Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Target Ovarian Cancer work to raise the profile of ovarian cancer, spread the word about the symptoms, and train GPs in early diagnosis. With your help we can do more. Get together, raise money and save lives this March.
2 - 8	Eating Disorders Awareness Week Stereotypes would have you believe that eating disorders are not serious illnesses and that they always take the same form. This is wrong. It has to change. This Eating Disorders Awareness Week help us put the stories of how people are affected in the spotlight, standing together to demand that anyone affected by an eating disorder is supported, no matter what their diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or background. Together by raising funds and combating stigma, we can change lives.
9 - 15	National Salt Awareness Week The Department of Health estimates that if we could reduce our average salt intake from 8g per day to 6g per day, we could prevent more than 8,000 premature deaths (i.e. deaths before the age of 70) from heart attacks and stroke
16 - 22	Nutrition and Hydration Week Nutrition and Hydration Week has taken place every March since 2012. Its purpose is to bring people together to create energy, focus and fun in order to highlight and educate people on the value of food and drink in maintaining health and well being in health and social care.
16 - 22	Brain Awareness Week Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is a global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research.
13	No Smoking Day No Smoking Day is an annual health awareness day in the United Kingdom which is intended to help smokers who want to quit smoking. The first No Smoking Day was on Ash Wednesday in 1984, and it now takes place on the second Wednesday in March.
15	World Sleep Day World Sleep Day is an annual event, intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, social aspects and driving. It is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of World Sleep Society (founded by WASM and WSF) and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.
20	International Day of Happiness This campaign is a global celebration to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness. It is coordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit movement of people from 160 countries, supported by a partnership of like-minded organisations.
20	World Oral Health Day World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated globally every year on 20 March. It is organized by FDI World Dental Federation and is the largest global awareness campaign on oral health. WOHD spreads messages about good oral hygiene practices to adults and children alike and demonstrates the importance of optimal oral health in maintaining general health and well-being.
21	World Down Syndrome Day World Down Syndrome Day is observed to create awareness about Down syndrome. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
April
1 - 30	Bowel Cancer Awareness Month Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an annual event set aside to increase awareness of bowel cancer and raise funds towards treating this condition. It is driven by various charitable organisations including the Beating Bowel Cancer and Bowel Cancer UK, who have merged with the main aim of ensuring that there would be no victim of Bowel Cancer by 2050.
1 - 30	Stress Awareness Month Most people will experience stress at some point in their life, but constant or extreme stress is bad for both the mind and body. Stress can be caused by a sudden traumatic event or even just the expectations of daily life
3	Walk to Work Day Taking simple steps to improve your health could pay dividends years down the line. Getting involved in National Walk to Work Day on April 5, 2019, could help put you on the right track to a healthier you.
7	World Health Day This day marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948. Each year a theme is selected that highlights a priority area of public health concern in the world.
19-25	Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week Be Bold in Blue to raise funds and awareness during MS Awareness Week. This could include fundraising activities such as dressing in blue, holding a cake sale, or painting your nails.
28	World Day for Health and Safety at Work World Day for Safety and Health at Work takes place on April 28, 2019. The day was declared by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an awareness-raising campaign "intended to focus international attention on emerging trends in the field of occupational safety and health and on the magnitude of work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities worldwide".
29	On Your Feet Britain Encourages workers across Britain to unite together and participate in a variety of fun and simple activities to #SitLess and #MoveMore at work. The On Your Feet Britain Challenge dares you to convert 'sitting time' to 'standing time' by following some simple changes. World Immunology Day The British Society for Immunology is joining forces with the Francis Crick Institute and Nature Portfolio to celebrate this day with a virtual event.
May
1 - 31	National Walking Month National Walking Month encourages people to walk more throughout May. Initiatives include Walk to Work Week and Walk to School Week.
1 - 31	Action on Stroke Month "Make May Purple" is the Stroke Associations action on stroke awareness month, taking place every May. Individuals show their support for those who have been affected by stroke and help to raise awareness and essential funds for the Stroke Association. Join #MakeMayPurple on social media.
1 - 31	National Osteoporosis Month May is National Osteoporosis Month! A healthy diet, one rich in fruits and vegetables and calcium and vitamin D, as well as weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, are critical elements in building Peak Bone Mass and maintaining bone strength throughout our lives.
3 - 9	Deaf Awareness Week The aim of Deaf Awareness Week is to raise awareness of hearing loss in the UK and its impact on people's lives.
10 - 16	Mental Health Awareness Week Mental Health Awareness Week is a UK event supported by the Mental Health Foundation. The aim is to educate the public about mental health issues and to promote better mental health.
17	World Hypertension Day The WHD was first inaugurated in May 2005 and has become an annual event ever since. The purpose of the WHD is to promote public awareness of hypertension and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic.
19	World IBD Day World IBD Day takes place on 19 May each year and unites people worldwide in their fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, known as inflammatory bowel diseases
29	World Digestive Health Day Every 29^th May, the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO), in collaboration with the WGO Foundation (WGOF), celebrates World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) and initiates a yearlong, worldwide, public health campaign through more than 110 WGO Member Societies which reach over 50,000 individuals worldwide, WGO Training Centers, Regional Affiliate Associations and other WGO global partners
31	World No Tobacco Day In response to the tobacco and nicotine industries’ systematic, aggressive and sustained tactics to attract a new generation of tobacco users, World No Tobacco Day 2020 will provide a counter-marketing campaign and empower young people to engage in the fight against Big Tobacco.

June
7 - 13	Carers Week Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
14 - 20	Men's Health Week One man in five dies before the age of 65. Together we can change that.
14 - 18	BNF Healthy Eating Week British Nutritional Foundation (BNF) Healthy Eating Week. Have Breakfast; Have 5 A Day; Drink plenty; Get active; and try something new.
14 - 20	Cervical Screening Awareness Week Cervical screening prevents 75% of cervical cancers from developing yet one in four women don’t attend. Cervical Cancer Awareness week aims to make it easier for every eligible woman and person with a cervix to attend cervical screening.
14 - 20	Diabetes Week An annual highlight in the Diabetes UK calendar, as it's a time when supporters are brought together to raise awareness of the condition and the vital funds required for future work.
22 - 28 17	Breathe Easy Week Annual awareness event focusing on lung health ran by the British Lung Foundation. Clean Air Day Air pollution is real and harms the health of millions. But there are lots of simple things we can do to improve air quality and look after our own and other people’s health. Clean Air Day is a chance to find out more about air pollution, share information with friends and colleagues, and help make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone.
July
24	24/7 Samaritans - The Big Listen Every six seconds, somebody contacts Samaritans. Ten times a minute they help someone turn their life around
28	World Hepatitis Day Worldwide, 300 million people are living with viral hepatitis unaware. Without finding the undiagnosed and linking them to care, millions will continue to suffer, and lives will be lost. World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, calls on people from across the world to take action, raise awareness and join in the quest to find the “missing millions”.
August
1 - 7	World Breastfeeding Week World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is a global network of individuals and organisations concerned with the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide based on the Innocenti Declarations, the Ten Links for Nurturing the Future and the WHO/UNICEF Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. WABA is in consultative status with UNICEF and an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC).
5	Cycle to Work Day The UK’s biggest cycle commuting event. Every year since 2012 thousands of enthusiastic riders hit the streets to celebrate everyday cycling. All you need to take part is a bike – new or old – and the desire to ride. You can go solo or be the change your workplace needs and organise an event for you and your colleagues. Whatever you do, however far your ride – have fun
September
1 - 30	Urology Awareness Month September is Urology Awareness Month. Organised by The Urology Foundation, this month aims to raise awareness of urological disease as well as raise money so we can fund vital research and training into these diseases.
5 -11	Migraine Awareness Week Migraine is the third most common disease in the world, with an estimated global prevalence of one in seven people. Despite being recognised as one of the most disabling lifetime conditions, awareness and understanding is low. Migraine Awareness Week, beginning on the first Sunday in September, aims to raise awareness of the condition, highlight its impact and our vital work to support the millions of people affected.
6 - 12	Know Your Numbers Week Know your Numbers! is Blood Pressure UK's flagship awareness campaign. It encourages adults across the UK to know their blood pressure numbers and take the necessary action to reach and maintain healthy blood pressure.
10	World Suicide Prevention Day World Suicide Prevention Day promotes worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. The sponsoring organisation, International Association for Suicide Prevention, the co-sponsor WHO and other partners, advocate for the prevention of suicidal behaviour, provision of adequate treatment and follow-up care for people who attempted suicide, as well as responsible reporting of suicides in the media.
25	National Fitness Day National Fitness Day is a chance to highlight the role physical activity plays across the UK, helping us raise awareness of its importance in helping us lead healthier and active lifestyles. National Fitness Day sees a huge range of activity options enjoyed by participants of all ages, such as ‘plank offs’, yoga and pilates classes, treadmill challenges, high-street HIIT classes, dance-offs, mass walks and many more.
October
1 - 31	Breast Cancer Awareness Month An annual international health campaign organised by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure
1 - 31	HEART UK's National Cholesterol Month Raising awareness of the dangers of high cholesterol and raising funds to support our life-saving work. HEART UK is the only charity in the UK dedicated to saving lives by helping people to avoid heart attacks or strokes caused by high cholesterol. Get involved! Enter The Great Cholesterol Climb and see how many of Britain’s tallest buildings you can climb virtually. By doing so, you will be helping to improve your own heart health, whilst raising money to support our valuable work. Further information email fundraising@heartuk.org.uk
4 - 10	Dyslexia Awareness Week In 2021, we will be putting aside 4-10 October to explore dyslexia creates – looking at the at the power of dyslexia to create ideas, organisations and society and the invaluable contribution this makes to the UK. We recognise, however, that dyslexia also creates challenges and barriers so this theme will enable us to raise awareness of these and explore best practice in dyslexia support that empowers individuals to achieve their potential.
4 - 8	Back Care Awareness Week For nearly 50 years BackCare has been dedicated to educating the public throughout the UK and wider further afield in ways of preventing and alleviating back pain. The charity aims to significantly reduce the burden of back & neck pain by providing information, guidance and advice to all people and organisations those affected by such pain.

11 - 15	National Work Life Week National Work Life Week is an opportunity for both employers and employees to focus on well-being at work and work-life balance. Employers can use the week to provide activities for staff and to showcase their flexible working policies and practices.
10	World Mental Health Day The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
18	World Menopause Day The International Menopause Society is marking the day by publishing a report encouraging women to “have a health audit – and take action at the time of the menopause to avoid chronic diseases in later life.” Actions taken at the time of the menopause can avoid chronic diseases in later life, according to a report on women’s health marking International Menopause Day.
November
6	National Stress Awareness Day We all know what it’s like to feel stressed - being under pressure is a normal part of life. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse. National Stress Awareness Day is a great opportunity to take a moment to think about our wellbeing and find advice or support on managing stress. We’ve got some suggestions for how you can join the conversation about stress.
14	World Diabetes Day Led by the International Diabetes Federation, WDD unites the global diabetes community to produce a powerful voice for diabetes awareness and advocacy. The campaign aims to reflect the realities of dealing with a chronic condition.
15 - 21	Alcohol Awareness Week Alcohol Awareness Week is a chance for the UK to get thinking about drinking. It’s a week of awareness-raising, campaigning for change, and more.
18	World COPD Day COPD is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It's a group of lung conditions that make it difficult to breathe because your airways have been narrowed. Life with COPD can be difficult. Everyday tasks can become a challenge. It's a progressive condition, which means there is no cure. British Lung Foundation is researching COPD to find new treatments and cures.
December
1	World AIDS Day World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day.
3	International Day of Persons with Disability "On this International Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to work together for a better world that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable for everyone, where the rights of people with disabilities are fully realized." — António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

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List of awareness days

January

Love Your Liver Month

National Obesity Awareness Week

February

National Heart Month

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

HEART UK's National Cholesterol Month

November

December

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