Mark your calendars for 2024's top days and causes worth celebrating! As a charity communications pro, it's crucial to stay on top of the significant awareness days relating to inclusion, accessibility, marginalized groups and pressing social issues happening throughout the year.
This comprehensive guide has all the key dates you need with ideas to help charities and nonprofits effectively plan campaigns, fundraisers, and messaging around these impactful events. Get ready to engage your community and shine a spotlight on groups and causes your organisation cares about in 2024.
Whether it’s promoting internationally established days recognised by the UN or more niche charity-based occasions, this list will ensure you never miss an opportunity. With 12 full months of awareness days outlined, your charity can create an inclusive, far-reaching content calendar filled with creative digital campaigns that resonate in 2024. Let's dive into the ultimate planning resource!
January
1st - 31st January: Dry January
The UK's one-month booze-free challenge that helps millions reset their relationship with alcohol every year.
4th January: World Braille Day
Everyone deserves, and is legally entitled to, information in a format they can understand, and this day raises awareness of braille as an additional accessible format.
22nd - 28th January: 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.
24th January: International Day of Education
The world urgently needs learning for lasting peace. As conflicts and discrimination rise, education can empower us to become agents of peace. This International Day of Education, let’s focus on how transformative learning helps build understanding across boundaries.
26th January: International Clean Energy Day
Switching to clean energy isn't just crucial for fighting climate change—it's a game-changer. Most of the gases causing our planet's heat-trapping blanket come from burning fossil fuels for power and heat. The solution? Ditching fossil fuels and embracing clean, affordable, and reliable energy sources like solar, wind, water, waste, and Earth's heat. They're natural, emit almost no pollutants, and are everywhere.
Join the movement this International Clean Energy Day! It's a call to spread awareness and drive action towards a fair, planet-friendly shift to clean energy, benefiting both people and the world we live in.
27th January: Parent Mental Health Day
Parent Mental Health Day is an opportunity for parents and carers to acknowledge and discuss their struggles and share in their achievements of connecting positively with each other and the whole family, and to learn ways to connect positively to maximise young people’s mental health.
February
1st-29th February: National Heart Month
Show Some Love this February and help British Heart Foundation beat heartbreak forever
1st February: 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.
4th February: World Cancer Day
This year World Cancer Day asks you to join their Call to Action! Add your voice to call on governments to promote health equity, improve cancer service access, and reduce disparities in incidence and mortality. The link is in their bio @worldcancerday
14th February: Valentines Day
Love isn't just about hearts and chocolates; it's in the little things we do every day! This Valentine's, let's spread more than just love notes. Share a smile, lend a helping hand, or simply brighten someone's day—it all counts!
17th February: #RandomActsofKindnessDay
Small acts, big impact! Join in celebrating #RandomActsofKindnessDay and let's turn kindness into our everyday superpower. From your home to school or workplace, let's sprinkle kindness everywhere we go. Hold the door, offer a compliment, or lend an ear—let's make kindness the norm!
19th - 23rd February: Emotional Health Week
Emotional Health Week is an ideal time for us all to think about emotional health, why it’s important and how we can take small steps to develop it, to enable not only us, but those around us to thrive. We want to create an emotionally healthy society where everyone has the skills and tools to be able to tackle the challenges that life throws at them.
21st February: International Mother Language Day
Celebrating the 24th International Mother Language Day! This year's theme, 'Multilingual Education: Transforming Education,' highlights the power of learning in various languages, especially for those speaking non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages. Embracing mother-tongue-based education ensures inclusive learning opportunities for all.
29th February: 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
1st - 31st March: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. Do you know that 90% of women don't know the four main symptoms of ovarian cancer? Knowing this information could be lifesaving, as an early diagnosis can make all the difference. Ovarian cancer has four main symptoms:
· Persistent stomach pain
· Persistent bloating
· Difficulty eating/feeling full more quickly
· Needing to wee more frequently
Make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Keep a record of the symptoms you are experiencing and have your notes to hand when you speak to your doctor, to help them make a diagnosis.
3rd March: World Wildlife Day
United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on 3 March to celebrate wild animals and plants. Every year, we recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet. The WWD2024 Theme is Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.
8th March: International Women's Day
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. Collectively we can all
11th-17th March: 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 wellbeing in health and social care.
15th March: 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.
18th - 24th March: Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
20th March: 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.
21st March: International Day of Forests
This annual celebration reminds us of the importance of forests and trees around the world. Forests provide habitats for animals, regulate climate, prevent soil erosion, and give us clean air to breathe. More than half of the world's terrestrial animal and plant species live in tropical rainforests, which only cover 2 percent of the planet's surface area!️ These biodiverse ecosystems showcase the incredible variety of life on Earth. But forests face threats like deforestation and climate change. By raising awareness, we can better protect these vital habitats. Consider planting a tree, shopping sustainably, or supporting forest conservation efforts.
31st March: International Transgender Day of Visibility
Trans Day of Visibility takes place every 31 March. It marks a time to celebrate trans and non-binary people, and to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the community worldwide.
April
1st -30th April: Stress Awareness Month
April is recognised as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues
2nd April: World Autism Awareness Day
Autistic people face discrimination and barriers across all sectors of society – in the health and social care systems, in education, in employment, and everywhere in between. It is crucial that autistic people, and their families and carers, can access tailored information, guidance, and support to overcome those barriers, along with opportunities to explore their interests, develop skills and build friendships for fulfilled lives.
5th April: 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 could help put you on the right track to a healthier you.
7th April: 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.
22nd April: International Mother Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
29th April: 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.
May
1st - 31st May: National Walking Month
National Walking Month encourages people to walk more throughout May. Initiatives include Walk to Work Week and Walk to School Week.
4th May: Star Wars Day
Star Wars Day is an informal commemorative day observed annually on May 4 to celebrate the Star Wars media franchise created by filmmaker George Lucas.
5th May: World Laughter Day
The celebration of World Laughter Day is a positive manifestation for world peace and is intended to build up a global consciousness of brotherhood and friendship through laughter.
6th - 12th May 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.
13th - 19th May: 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.
17th May: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBTQ+ rights work worldwide.
20th May: World Bee Day
The Day aims to raise awareness on the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development.
21st May: UN Cultural Diversity Day
Highlighting not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
June
1st-30th June: Pride Month
A month dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities all around the world.
3rd-9th June: Volunteers Week
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.
8th June: World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life.
10th to 14th June: Healthy Eating Week
Have Breakfast; Have 5 A Day; Drink plenty; Get active; and try something new.
17th - 23rd June: 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.
20th June: 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.
21st June: International Day of Yoga
Celebrating the ancient practice that connects body, mind and spirit.
July
5th July: Thank You Day
A day to celebrate all the things that keep us connected in our communities, saying ‘thank you’ to each other – making a brew, sharing a cake, lighting up the BBQ, and getting everyone together.
24th July: 24/7 Samaritans - The Big Listen
Every six seconds, somebody contacts Samaritans. Ten times a minute they help someone turn their life around.
28th July: 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”.
30th July: International Day of Friendship
The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
August
1st - 7th August: World Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week is an annual global campaign to raise awareness and galvanise action on issues related to breastfeeding.
1st August: 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
19th August: World Photography Day
World Photography Day is an annual, worldwide celebration of the art, craft, science and history of photography.
26th August: International Dog Day
Celebrating dogs of all breeds!
September
1st - 30th September: Sleeptember
This campaign looks at how you can achieve better sleep and what benefits a good night’s sleep can bring.
23rd - 29th September: Migraine Awareness Week
1 in 7 people live with migraine. Migraine has been dismissed for too long as ‘just a headache’, despite it being a complex and debilitating neurological disorder. We know that for those living with migraine it has a significant impact on their quality of life, impacting their mental health, relationships, education and their ability to work.
5th September: International Day of Charity
The International Day of Charity was established with the objective of sensitising and mobilising people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.
10th September: World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed on September 10th every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.
18th September: International Equal Pay Day
A day to raise awareness about equal pay. This recognition is an intentional focus on the disparities of the pay between women and men for work of equal value, where the work requires equal or more skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions. Their goal is to end pay gap discrimination.
20th September: 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.
25th September: World Dream Day
On this day, people around the world declare, share, celebrate, and activate their dreams.
October
1–31st October: Black History Month
An annual observance that began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
2nd - 8th October: Dyslexia Awareness Week
Annual event to raise awareness of dyslexia.
4th October: World Smile Day
A day to make someone else smile and brighten up their day.
7th - 11th October: 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.
9th - 15th October: Baby Loss awareness week
A special opportunity to mark the lives of babies lost in pregnancy, or at or soon after birth.
10th October: World Mental Health Day
The day provides an opportunity o raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
18th October: World Menopause Day
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
November
6th November: 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.
13th November: Kindness Day
A celebration of kindness, which aims to increase the value of kindness in society as well as increase the number of kind acts that take place.
11th - 15th November: Anti-Bullying Week
Aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people.
17th November: World Prematurity Day
Raises awareness of pre-term birth and the concerns of pre-term babies and their families worldwide.
25th November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that impacts 1 in 3 women globally. The numbers are shocking. From sexual harassment to emotional abuse, acid attacks to female genital mutilation, the forms of violence women face for simply being women are unacceptable. On this day, I stand in solidarity with survivors across the world. I believe we can envision and create a safer world for all women when we stand united and speak up about injustice. Both women and men play a role in being part of the change. Get involved with organizations working to empower women and increase access to education.
30th November: Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
December
1st December: 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.
2nd-8th December: National Grief Awareness Week
To raise awareness of the myriad ways in which individuals cope with loss.
3rd December: Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday was created as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the last decade, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
5th December: World Soil Day
Dig into World Soil Day! Did you know soil is one of our most precious natural resources? It may just look like dirt, but healthy soil is essential for 95% of our food production.
4th December: National Cookie Day
Is there a National Cookie Day? There absolutely is! National Cookie Day occurs annually on 4th December. No one can tell you that you've eaten too many cookies on this day
24th December: Christmas Eve
25th December: Christmas Day
26th December: Boxing Day
31st December: New Years Eve
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