Health and Social Care Awareness Events to look out for in 2020

Here's our Bluebird Care Wandsworth guide to some of the health and social care awareness days, weeks and months to look out for this year.

There always seems to be an awareness day, week or month on the calendar, from the frivolous (National Bow Tie Day, anyone?) to the more serious. If you work in social care, here are a few of the more sensible awareness events you might want to highlight in 2020.

January

There are thousands of young people looking after parents and other family member across the UK. As carers ourselves, we know how hard it can be for an adult to take on a caring role, let alone a child. Young Carers Awareness Day aims to help others understand what these youngsters are going through, where they can get help and how you can support them.

February

Promoting dignity and respect is close to our hearts here at Bluebird Care, so we’re big supporters of Dignity Action Day. The event shines a light on the importance of treating people well and maintaining their human rights. It’s a really important time for all health and social care workers to reflect upon and improve their practice, as well as encourage others to maintain people’s dignity whilst delivering care services.

March

If you work in care, you’ll know how essential it is to ensure your customers are eating and drinking well. Getting these basics right can have a huge impact on someone’s health and quality of life. Nutrition and Hydration Week aims to raise awareness of the role food and drink plays in maintaining health. Definitely one to highlight if you care for others, either professionally or as a family carer.

April

Our increasingly sedentary lifestyle is putting more people are at risk of heart problems and other serious health conditions. On Your Feet Day encourages everyone to make small changes that reduce the time they spend sitting down at work. There are some great tips on how to get moving more to improve your overall health.

May

We highlight the massive importance of good hand hygiene in our Bluebird Care training, so Global Hand Hygiene Day is a big one on our calendar. Washing your hands regularly and properly is one of the basics in infection prevention and control and helps in maintaining health and hygiene standards, both at home and at work.

June

It can be argued that men are generally more reluctant to go to the doctor than women, so Men’s Health Week aims to encourage them to pay more attention to their health and seek help if they have problems. Lots of conditions can be treated well with early intervention, especially when it comes to things like testicular and prostate cancer. So, make sure all the men in your life know about Men’s Health Week!

July

Viral hepatitis is something that we as care workers need to be aware of, but many people don’t know much about a condition that affects a staggering 290 million people worldwide. In fact, many people don’t even know they are living with the condition, which not only endangers their wellbeing but means the disease can spread more easily. Check out the resources for World Hepatitis Day to find out more.

August

While National Allotments Week might not jump out as an obvious health and social care event, community gardening is something that can significantly increase wellbeing. From getting out in the fresh air and connecting with nature, to maintaining social bonds and combatting loneliness, allotments can be a great tool in the social care armoury.

September

Keeping a close eye on your blood pressure is really important, as high blood pressure can have serious consequences, including putting you at a higher risk of strokes and heart attacks. Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Numbers week encourages everyone to get their blood pressure checked out at one of the blood pressure stations they set up around the country. So, why not pop along to your nearest one to get a check or take along someone you care for?

October

An important one for the diary, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. If you don’t already know the signs and symptoms and how to check your breasts properly, check out the website and point your friends and family in the same direction too. Treatments have come a long way in recent years, so catching it early could make all the difference.

November

As all of us can feel overwhelmed sometimes, it’s handy to know a few coping mechanisms or where to find help if life is getting on top of you. November’s Stress Awareness Week urges people to recognise the signs of stress, take action and access resources that can give you the support that you or someone you love might need in challenging times.

December

Grief will affect all of us at some point in life but it’s something we’re often reluctant to talk about. National Grief Awareness Week hopes to help get the grieving process out into the open and bring bereavement services to people who need them. So, if you’ve been affected by grief or know someone who might need some support, the website has plenty of useful resources.