UK Health and Social Care Awareness Calendar Month

by | Oct 17, 2026 | Health and Social Care | 0 comments

Health and Social Care Awareness Calendar 2027 (UK) | Key Dates

Awareness calendar · Health and social care

UK health and social care awareness calendar 2027

The main awareness days, weeks and months for UK health and social care in 2027, in date order from January to December. Use it to plan staff training, team activities, events and social media content for your care service.

17 October 2026By @femi

NHS nurses working together on a hospital ward
151Awareness days, weeks and months
12Months covered
35Dates to confirm

About this 2027 awareness calendar

This calendar lists the awareness days, weeks and months most relevant to the NHS, adult social care, nursing, mental health and disability services in the UK. It starts in January 2027.

Most 2027 dates have not been announced yet. Dates marked expected come from fixed-date rules (such as “the third Thursday of November”) or published provisional dates. Dates marked check date show only the usual timing. Confirm those with the lead charity before you schedule anything.

Nurses in NHS England uniforms
Awareness days help health and care teams plan training, events and conversations throughout the year.
Fixed date

A set day each year, such as World Mental Health Day on 10 October, or a date fixed by a weekday rule.

Whole month

A campaign that runs for the whole calendar month.

Expected

Based on a provisional announcement or the organiser’s usual pattern. Likely, but not yet confirmed.

Check date

Only the usual timing is known. Check the exact dates with the organiser.

January to March 2027

January 2027 awareness days

  • All of JanuaryWhole month
    • Dry January (Alcohol Change UK)A month without alcohol. A good prompt to talk about drinking and wellbeing with staff and the people you support.
  • 4 JanFixed date
    • World Braille DayMarks the birthday of Louis Braille and the importance of accessible information for blind and partially sighted people.
  • 18 JanFixed date
    • Blue Monday (third Monday of January)Often called the most depressing day of the year. The claim isn't scientific, but it's a useful hook for checking in on wellbeing.
  • 18–24 JanFixed date
    • Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust)Encourages cervical screening and HPV vaccination, and challenges barriers that stop people attending.
  • 27 JanFixed date
    • Holocaust Memorial DayRemembers those murdered in the Holocaust and in later genocides, and challenges prejudice today.
  • 28 JanFixed date
    • World Lewy Body DayRaises awareness of dementia with Lewy bodies, a common but often misdiagnosed type of dementia.

February 2027 awareness days

  • All of FebruaryWhole month
    • Heart MonthFocuses on heart and circulatory health, including CPR skills and spotting the signs of a heart attack.
    • LGBT+ History MonthCelebrates LGBT+ history and helps services think about inclusive care for LGBT+ people.
  • 1–7 FebExpected
    • Children's Mental Health Week (Place2Be)Encourages children, families and schools to talk about mental health.
  • 4 FebFixed date
    • World Cancer DayA global day to improve awareness, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
    • Time to Talk Day (first Thursday of February)Encourages everyone to have a conversation about mental health and reduce stigma.
  • Early FebCheck date
    • National Apprenticeship WeekCelebrates apprenticeships. A good time to promote care and health apprenticeships and career routes.
  • 17 FebFixed date
    • Random Acts of Kindness DayEncourages small acts of kindness, a simple way to lift morale in teams and care settings.
  • Late Feb to early MarCheck date
    • Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Beat)Raises understanding of eating disorders and encourages people to seek help early.
  • 28 FebFixed date
    • Rare Disease DayRaises awareness of rare conditions and the people and families living with them.

March 2027 awareness days

  • All of MarchWhole month
    • Brain Tumour Awareness MonthRaises awareness of brain tumour symptoms and funding for research.
    • Ovarian Cancer Awareness MonthHelps people recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer, which are often missed.
    • Endometriosis Awareness MonthRaises awareness of endometriosis, a common condition that can take years to diagnose.
  • 1 MarFixed date
    • Zero Discrimination DayA UN day promoting equality and the right of everyone to live with dignity.
  • 8 MarFixed date
    • International Women's DayCelebrates women's achievements. In health and social care, most of the workforce are women.
  • 10 MarFixed date
    • National No Smoking Day (second Wednesday of March)Encourages people to quit smoking and signposts stop smoking support.
  • 11 MarFixed date
    • World Kidney Day (second Thursday of March)Raises awareness of kidney health and kidney disease prevention.
  • Mid-MarCheck date
    • Healthcare Science WeekCelebrates healthcare scientists and the work they do behind the scenes in diagnosis and treatment.
    • Young Carers Action Day (Carers Trust)Highlights the young people who care for family members, and the support they need.
    • Nutrition and Hydration WeekPromotes good food and drink in health and care settings. Ideal for themed meals and hydration activities.
  • 16 MarFixed date
    • World Social Work Day (third Tuesday of March)Celebrates social workers and the value of social work.
  • 19 MarExpected
    • World Sleep DayHighlights the importance of good sleep for physical and mental health.
  • 20 MarFixed date
    • World Oral Health DayPromotes good oral health. A useful prompt to review mouth care for the people you support.
  • 21 MarFixed date
    • World Down Syndrome DayCelebrates people with Down syndrome. Held on 21/3 to reflect the three copies of chromosome 21.
    • International Day for the Elimination of Racial DiscriminationA UN day to challenge racism and racial discrimination.
  • 23 MarFixed date
    • National Day of Reflection (Marie Curie)A day to remember people who have died and support those who are grieving.
  • Late Mar to early AprCheck date
    • World Autism Acceptance Week (National Autistic Society)Promotes understanding and acceptance of autistic people.
  • 31 MarFixed date
    • International Transgender Day of VisibilityCelebrates transgender people and raises awareness of the discrimination they face.

April to June 2027

April 2027 awareness days

  • All of AprilWhole month
    • Stress Awareness MonthEncourages people to recognise and manage stress. Relevant to staff wellbeing in high-pressure roles.
    • Autism Acceptance MonthA month of activity promoting acceptance and inclusion of autistic people.
  • 2 AprFixed date
    • World Autism Awareness DayA UN day raising awareness of autism and the rights of autistic people.
  • 7 AprFixed date
    • World Health DayThe World Health Organization's birthday, with a different global health theme each year.
  • 11 AprFixed date
    • World Parkinson's DayMarks the birthday of James Parkinson and raises awareness of Parkinson's.
  • AprilCheck date
    • Parkinson's Awareness Week (Parkinson's UK)Raises awareness of Parkinson's and how it affects people's daily lives.
  • Late AprCheck date
    • Lesbian Visibility WeekCelebrates lesbian, bisexual and queer women.
  • 22 AprFixed date
    • Earth DayFocuses on protecting the environment. A chance to look at sustainability in your service.
  • 24–30 AprFixed date
    • World Immunisation WeekPromotes vaccines to protect people of all ages from disease.
  • 28 AprFixed date
    • World Day for Safety and Health at WorkPromotes safe and healthy workplaces and remembers workers killed or injured at work.
  • Late Apr to early MayCheck date
    • MS Awareness Week (MS Society)Raises awareness of multiple sclerosis and the support people with MS need.

May 2027 awareness days

  • All of MayWhole month
    • National Walking MonthEncourages people to walk more for their physical and mental health.
  • Early MayCheck date
    • Dying Matters Awareness Week (Hospice UK)Encourages open conversations about death, dying and grief.
    • Deaf Awareness WeekRaises awareness of deafness and hearing loss, and how to communicate well.
  • 5 MayFixed date
    • International Day of the MidwifeCelebrates midwives and their role in caring for mothers and babies.
    • World Hand Hygiene DayA World Health Organization day promoting hand hygiene to prevent infections.
  • 10–16 MayProvisional
    • Mental Health Awareness Week (Mental Health Foundation)The UK's main mental health campaign, with a new theme each year.
  • 12 MayFixed date
    • International Nurses DayCelebrates nurses, on the birthday of Florence Nightingale.
  • 14 MayFixed date
    • National Operating Department Practitioner DayRecognises operating department practitioners and their role in surgical care.
  • 17 MayFixed date
    • International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and BiphobiaRaises awareness of discrimination against LGBT+ people.
  • 17–23 MayExpected
    • Dementia Action Week (Alzheimer's Society)Encourages people to take action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.
  • 20 MayFixed date
    • Clinical Trials DayCelebrates clinical research and the people who take part in trials.
    • Global Accessibility Awareness Day (third Thursday of May)Encourages everyone to think about digital access for disabled people.

June 2027 awareness days

  • All of JuneWhole month
    • Pride MonthCelebrates LGBT+ communities and marks the history of LGBT+ rights.
  • 1–7 JunFixed date
    • Volunteers' WeekThanks volunteers for their contribution, including in hospitals, hospices and care.
  • JuneCheck date
    • Carers WeekRecognises the UK's unpaid carers and the challenges they face.
    • Loneliness Awareness WeekRaises awareness of loneliness and encourages people to connect.
    • Bike WeekEncourages people to cycle more for health and travel.
    • Learning Disability Week (Mencap)Celebrates people with a learning disability and challenges barriers they face.
  • 14 JunFixed date
    • World Blood Donor DayThanks blood donors and encourages more people to give blood.
  • 14–20 JunExpected
    • Men's Health Week (ends on Father's Day)Encourages men to look after their physical and mental health.
    • Cervical Screening Awareness Week (Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust)Encourages people to attend cervical screening when invited.
    • Diabetes Week (Diabetes UK, expected)Raises awareness of diabetes, how to spot it and how to live well with it.
  • 17 JunFixed date
    • National Clean Air Day (third Thursday of June)Raises awareness of air pollution and its effects on health.
  • 18 JunFixed date
    • Autistic Pride DayA day led by autistic people celebrating neurodiversity.
  • 19 JunFixed date
    • World Sickle Cell DayRaises awareness of sickle cell disease and the need for blood donors.
  • 20 JunFixed date
    • Father's Day (UK)Celebrates fathers and father figures.
  • 21 JunFixed date
    • International Fathers' Mental Health Day (Monday after Father's Day)Highlights the mental health of fathers, especially new and expectant dads.
  • 22 JunFixed date
    • Windrush DayCelebrates the Windrush generation, many of whom helped build the NHS and care services.

July to September 2027

July 2027 awareness days

  • All of JulyWhole month
    • Good Care MonthCelebrates good care and the people who work in social care.
    • Disability Pride MonthCelebrates disabled people and disability rights.
  • 5 JulFixed date
    • NHS birthdayMarks the founding of the NHS on 5 July 1948.
  • Early JulCheck date
    • Alcohol Awareness Week (Alcohol Change UK)Encourages people to think about how alcohol affects their health.
  • 21 JulFixed date
    • Zero HIV Stigma DayChallenges stigma faced by people living with HIV.
  • 24 JulFixed date
    • International Self-Care DayPromotes self-care as a way to stay well. Held on 24/7 because self-care can be practised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • 28 JulFixed date
    • World Hepatitis DayRaises awareness of viral hepatitis, its testing and treatment.

August 2027 awareness days

  • 1–7 AugFixed date
    • World Breastfeeding WeekPromotes support for breastfeeding families.
  • 31 AugFixed date
    • International Overdose Awareness DayRemembers people who have died from overdose and works to prevent it.

September 2027 awareness days

  • All of SeptemberWhole month
    • Urology Awareness MonthRaises awareness of bladder, kidney and prostate conditions.
    • Blood Cancer Awareness MonthRaises awareness of blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
    • World Alzheimer's MonthA global campaign raising awareness of dementia and challenging stigma.
    • Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness MonthRaises awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung condition.
    • East and South East Asian Heritage MonthCelebrates East and South East Asian communities in the UK.
  • 4 SepFixed date
    • World Sexual Health DayPromotes sexual health and wellbeing.
  • 10 SepFixed date
    • World Suicide Prevention DayEncourages action to prevent suicide and support people at risk.
  • 13 SepFixed date
    • World Sepsis DayRaises awareness of the signs of sepsis and the need for fast treatment.
  • Mid-SepCheck date
    • Sexual Health WeekPromotes sexual health information and services.
    • Know Your Numbers Week (Blood Pressure UK)Encourages people to get their blood pressure checked.
    • Migraine Awareness WeekRaises awareness of migraine and its impact on daily life and work.
    • National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care WorkersRemembers health and care workers who have died by suicide.
  • 17 SepFixed date
    • World Patient Safety DayA World Health Organization day promoting safer care for patients.
  • 21 SepFixed date
    • World Alzheimer's DayThe main day of World Alzheimer's Month.
  • 23 SepFixed date
    • International Day of Sign LanguagesCelebrates sign languages and the rights of deaf people.
  • Late SepCheck date
    • National Inclusion WeekCelebrates inclusion and diversity at work.
    • ICON WeekHelps parents cope with a crying baby, to prevent abusive head trauma.
    • Organ Donation WeekEncourages people to register their organ donation decision and tell their family.
    • Professional Care Workers' WeekCelebrates care workers and the work they do.
  • 24 SepFixed date
    • Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning (last Friday of September)A fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support. An easy event to host in a care setting.
  • 25 SepFixed date
    • World Pharmacists DayCelebrates pharmacists and their role in health.
  • 26 SepFixed date
    • World Contraception DayPromotes awareness of contraception and choice.

October to December 2027

October 2027 awareness days

  • All of OctoberWhole month
    • Breast Cancer Awareness MonthEncourages people to check their breasts and know the signs of breast cancer.
    • Black History Month (UK)Celebrates the history and contributions of Black people in the UK, including in health and care.
    • Menopause Awareness MonthRaises awareness of menopause and support at work.
    • National Cholesterol MonthEncourages people to get their cholesterol checked.
    • StoptoberEncourages smokers to quit for 28 days, which makes them more likely to quit for good.
    • Sober OctoberA month off alcohol, usually to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
    • Speak Up MonthPromotes a culture where staff feel safe to raise concerns.
  • Early OctCheck date
    • Back Care Awareness WeekRaises awareness of back pain. Relevant to moving and handling in care.
    • Dyslexia Awareness WeekRaises awareness of dyslexia and how to support people at work and in learning.
  • 9 OctFixed date
    • World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (second Saturday of October)Celebrates hospice and palliative care around the world.
  • 9–15 OctFixed date
    • Baby Loss Awareness Week (Wave of Light on 15 Oct)Supports parents and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
  • 10 OctFixed date
    • World Mental Health DayA global day for mental health awareness, with a theme each year.
  • 11 OctFixed date
    • National Coming Out DaySupports LGBT+ people to be open about who they are.
  • Mid-OctCheck date
    • Dyspraxia Awareness WeekRaises awareness of dyspraxia, which affects coordination.
    • Infection Prevention and Control WeekHighlights the role of infection prevention and control in keeping people safe.
    • National Pharmacy WeekCelebrates pharmacy teams and the services they offer.
  • 15 OctFixed date
    • Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day (third Friday of October)Raises awareness of DLD, which affects how people understand and use language.
  • 18 OctFixed date
    • World Menopause DayA global day to raise awareness of menopause and support available.
  • 20 OctFixed date
    • World Osteoporosis DayRaises awareness of osteoporosis and how to prevent fractures.
  • 22 OctFixed date
    • International Stammering Awareness DayRaises awareness of stammering and challenges stigma.
  • 29 OctFixed date
    • World Stroke DayRaises awareness of stroke signs and the importance of acting fast.

November 2027 awareness days

  • All of NovemberWhole month
    • MovemberEncourages men to grow moustaches and raise money for men's health.
    • Lung Cancer Awareness MonthRaises awareness of lung cancer symptoms and early diagnosis.
    • Mouth Cancer Action MonthEncourages people to check for signs of mouth cancer.
    • Pancreatic Cancer Awareness MonthRaises awareness of pancreatic cancer symptoms, which can be hard to spot.
    • COPD Awareness MonthRaises awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • 3 NovFixed date
    • National Stress Awareness Day (first Wednesday of November)Encourages people to recognise and reduce stress.
  • First week of NovCheck date
    • International Stress Awareness WeekFocuses on stress management and mental health at work.
  • 11 NovFixed date
    • Armistice DayMarks the end of the First World War and remembers those who died in conflict.
  • Mid-NovCheck date
    • Anti-Bullying WeekEncourages action against bullying in schools and workplaces.
    • Psychological Professions WeekCelebrates psychologists and psychological practitioners.
    • National Safeguarding Adults WeekRaises awareness of adult safeguarding and how to report concerns.
    • Self Care WeekEncourages people to look after their own health.
    • UK Malnutrition Awareness WeekRaises awareness of malnutrition, especially among older people.
  • 13–19 NovFixed date
    • Trans Awareness WeekRaises awareness of transgender people and the issues they face.
  • 14 NovFixed date
    • Remembrance SundayA national day to remember those who served and died in conflict.
  • 14 Nov to 20 DecFixed date
    • UK Disability History MonthCelebrates the history of disabled people and their fight for equality.
  • 18 NovExpected
    • Carers Rights DayHelps unpaid carers know their rights and find support.
    • STOP Pressure Ulcer Day (both third Thursday of November, expected)Raises awareness of pressure ulcer prevention. Ideal for skin care training.
  • 18–24 NovFixed date
    • World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness WeekRaises awareness of antimicrobial resistance and the responsible use of antibiotics.
  • 19 NovFixed date
    • International Men's DayCelebrates men and focuses on men's health and wellbeing.
  • 20 NovFixed date
    • Transgender Day of RemembranceRemembers transgender people who have lost their lives to violence.
  • 25 Nov to 10 DecFixed date
    • 16 Days of Action Against Domestic ViolenceA campaign against domestic abuse, from 25 November to 10 December.

December 2027 awareness days

  • All of DecemberWhole month
    • DecembeardEncourages people to grow a beard to raise money for bowel cancer.
  • 1 DecFixed date
    • World AIDS DayRemembers those who have died from AIDS and supports people living with HIV.
  • 2–8 DecFixed date
    • Grief Awareness WeekEncourages open conversations about grief.
  • 3 DecFixed date
    • International Day of Persons with DisabilitiesA UN day promoting the rights and wellbeing of disabled people.
  • 10 DecFixed date
    • Human Rights DayMarks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

How to plan your year with the awareness calendar

Care worker supporting an older man
Choose the awareness dates that matter most to the people you support.
  1. 1Pick the dates that fit your serviceChoose a handful that match the people you support, such as Dementia Action Week for a dementia care home or Carers Week for home care.
  2. 2Confirm the datesCheck every “expected” and “check date” entry with the lead charity early in the year.
  3. 3Link to trainingTime refresher training to match, such as infection control during Infection Prevention and Control Week.
  4. 4Plan content aheadDraft social posts, newsletters and activities a few weeks before each date so your team is ready.

Key 2027 dates for care providers

Mental Health Awareness Week

10–16 May, provisional. A chance to focus on staff wellbeing as well as the people you support.

Dementia Action Week

17–23 May, expected. Ideal for dementia awareness training and family events.

Carers Week

June, check date. Recognise unpaid carers and the families you work with.

Professional Care Workers’ Week

Late September, check date. Celebrate your care team.

World Mental Health Day

10 October. One of the most widely marked days of the year.

National Safeguarding Adults Week

Mid-November, check date. A good time to refresh safeguarding training.

Frequently asked questions about the 2027 awareness calendar

When is Mental Health Awareness Week 2027?

Mental Health Awareness Week 2027 is provisionally 10 to 16 May. The Mental Health Foundation usually confirms the date and theme early in the year.

When is Dementia Action Week 2027?

Dementia Action Week 2027 is expected to run from 17 to 23 May. Check with Alzheimer's Society before you plan events.

When is Carers Week 2027?

Carers Week usually takes place in June. The 2027 dates have not been announced yet, so check with Carers UK before scheduling.

When is Professional Care Workers’ Week 2027?

Professional Care Workers’ Week usually takes place in late September. Confirm the exact 2027 dates before you plan anything.

What awareness days are in May 2027 for health and social care?

May includes National Walking Month, Dying Matters Awareness Week, Deaf Awareness Week, International Day of the Midwife, World Hand Hygiene Day, Mental Health Awareness Week, International Nurses Day and Dementia Action Week.

Why do some dates say “check date”?

Many organisers have not published their 2027 dates yet. For these, the calendar shows the usual timing. Confirm the exact dates with the lead charity before you schedule anything.

How can care providers use an awareness calendar?

Use it to plan staff training, team activities, resident and service user events, and social media content across the year. Picking a few days that fit your service works better than trying to mark every date.