Stress Awareness Month, 1st to 30th April
Stress is not always a ‘bad’ thing. However, when we experience stress in our workplace or everyday lives, it can affect our ability to function, and long-term stress can damage our health.
Workplace stress is reaching record levels worldwide, so Stress Awareness Month gives organisations a chance to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and actively support employee wellbeing before issues escalate. Learn more at: https://www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2026/
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, 1st to 30th April
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, and Bowel Cancer Awareness Month aims to increase awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and knowing the symptoms, which you can find here: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/
These symptoms don’t mean you definitely have bowel cancer, but it’s important to check. The earlier bowel cancer is spotted, the more treatable it is, and the more likely it can be cured.
Why not get involved in Bowel Cancer UK’s ActiveApril campaign, and get active while fundraising to support people with bowel cancer! Sign up on their website: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
IBS Awareness Month, 1st to 30th April
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes episodes of abdominal pain and often discomfort when using the toilet. It does not shorten your life, but leads to more pain, health care appointments, and surgeries, impacting quality of life, and sometimes the ability to work full-time.
This April, you can help to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support people with IBS by sharing the hashtags #IBSAwarenessMonth and #MoreThanAStomachache
Find out more at https://aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/ibs-awareness-month/
World Autism Acceptance Month, 1st to 30th April
Autistic people face discrimination and barriers across all sectors of society. They, and their families and carers, need support to overcome those barriers, and opportunities to explore interests, develop skills and lead fulfilling lives.
World Autism Acceptance Month is a time for everyone to get involved in fundraising, sharing resources, raising awareness and helping to create a society that works for autistic people. Walk, run or fundraise your own way!
Find out more and sign up at https://waam.autism.org.uk
Lesbian Visibility Week, 20th to 26th April
During Lesbian Visibility Week, people across the UK come together to celebrate, connect and make LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people visible in every space. The theme for Lesbian Visibility Week 2026 is Health and Wellbeing.
You can join in by hosting an event, starting a conversation, sharing your story or supporting someone else’s work. The important thing is to show up and make space for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people to be seen, heard and celebrated. Visit https://www.lesbianvisibilityweek.com for more information.
MS Awareness Week, 20th to 26th April
More than 150,000 people in the UK have Multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects the nerves in your brain and spinal cord, causing a range of symptoms like blurred vision and problems with how you move, think and feel.
MS Awareness Week is designed to raise awareness about the condition and the issues people with MS are talking about. In 2026 the focus is on challenging MS assumptions and the harm they can cause. You can find out more at https://www.mssociety.org.uk/get-involved/ms-awareness-week
Allergy Awareness Week, 22nd to 28th April
Allergy affects more than a quarter of the UK population, and occurs when the body’s immune system reacts inappropriately to normally harmless substances. Some allergies are mild, but more severe cases can cause anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.
Many people’ symptoms go unrecognised, and they don’t get the support they need. So this year, the theme of Allergy Awareness Week is ‘I Wish I Knew: Diagnosis Matters’.
You can find out more about the campaign and learn about allergy symptoms, next steps and anaphylaxis on the Allergy UK website: https://www.allergyuk.org/allergy-awareness-weeks/
Earth Day, 22nd April
This Earth Day, we are all asked to lift our voices, take action, and show our love for Planet Earth.
Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22, but events start from Saturday, April 18th so that everyone can join in. Events continue throughout Earth Week and beyond, and include community cleanups, teach-ins, peaceful demonstrations and tree planting.
You can find toolkits, news and fact sheets, and find or register an Earth Day event in your area on the Earth Day website, https://www.earthday.org/earth-hub/
World Immunisation Week, 24th to 30th April
World Immunisation Week aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases across the globe.
This year’s theme is, ‘For every generation, vaccines work,’ and this awareness week will promote how vaccines have safely protected people, families, and communities for generations – and continue to safeguard our future.
To find out more about the importance of immunisation, or to get involved, visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week/2026
World Malaria Day, 25th April
Malaria is a life-threatening disease which is spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries, especially Africa, and it is preventable and curable. Mild symptoms are fever, chills and headache. Severe symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing. The majority of people who die from malaria are children.
World Malaria Day, organised by the World Health Organization, highlights the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.
You can learn more at https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day