Category: General

Background

World Menopause Day is held globally on the 18th of October on an annual basis.

The International Menopause Society established World Menopause Day in 2009 to raise awareness for women who face health issues when approaching, during and after menopause.

According to the International Menopause Society: The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of Menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing of women across the globe. This can be done by sharing materials, whether it is leaflets or social media posts, or simply organising events; all of these can assist to reduce the stigma associated with Menopause.

Theme

For 2022, the theme for World Menopause Day is “Cognition and Mood” which focuses on how hormonal changes through menopause can affect the memory and mood.

How does Menopause affect my cognition and mood?

According to nhsinform.scot: “Changes in your hormones during menopause can impact your mental health as well as your physical health. Menopausal symptoms may include:

• Anger and irritability
• Anxiety
• Forgetfulness
• Loss of self-esteem
• Loss of confidence
• Low mood and feeling of sadness or depression
• Poor concentration – often described as ‘brain fog’ and/or lost words

Many women experiencing menopause or perimenopause will experience problems with sleeping”.

Lack of sleep can heighten the symptoms of Menopause; such as increased tiredness, reduce the ability to concentrate or increase the levels of anxiety for an individual.

What is perimenopause?

According to nhsinform.scot: “Perimenopause is the time from the start of menopausal symptoms until after a woman has experienced her last period. Periods will usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. They might be more irregular and become heavier or lighter. For some women, they can stop suddenly.”

How do I join in World Menopause Day?

You can join in World Menopause Day by:

• Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other information you are helping to raise awareness for World Menopause Day and how important World Menopause Day is.
  
  The International Menopause Society have posted social media assets on their website which one can simply reshare to raise awareness, these can be found via www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/#toolkit.

• Read up on articles regarding Menopause – The International Menopause Society have posted articles and reports from around the world on their website which are connected to this year’s theme, if you would like to read one of these articles, then please visit www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/#whitepaper.
  
  We discussed previously about Menopause in the Workplace. We discussed about how menopause can affect women in the workplace, what employers and line managers can do support to people who are going through menopause or perimenopause and much more. We recommend you have a read of it here.

• Put an awareness raising poster in the workplace – The International Menopause Society have posted an awareness raising poster which businesses can download from their website. This poster contains information about Cognition and Mood. If you would like to download this poster and use it in your workplace, then please visit www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day/#poster.

If I can’t join in World Menopause Day, is there any other way to help?

If you would like to donate to a charity focused on menopause, we have listed a few below:

• The Menopause Charity – “The Menopause Charity works to improve women’s and healthcare professionals’ understanding of the menopause. No pharmaceutical companies contribute to the cost of providing this education nor has any input into or control over the content of our work, all of which expresses our independent views”.
  
  If you would like to donate, then please visit www.themenopausecharity.org/donate.

• Wellbeing of Women – “We save and change the lives of women, girls and babies. Led by women’s voices, we improve health and wellbeing through research, education and advocacy.” If you would like to donate to Wellbeing of Women, then please visit www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/donate.

• Menopause Support – “Menopause Support provides private support via telephone and video consultations and bespoke menopause training and support solutions for businesses and organisations and menopause training days for therapists and well-being professionals”.
  
  If you would like to donate, then please visit www.menopausesupport.co.uk.

If you feel like you’re perimenopausal or menopausal and want more information or support, then we would suggest you to speak with a medical professional, menopause specialist or your local GP.

They can provide you with medical advice and assistance with menopause or perimenopause symptoms. If you would like to search for your closest menopause specialist, then please visit www.thebms.org.uk/find-a-menopause-specialist.

Background

World Mental Health Day is celebrated globally on the 10th of October on an annual basis.

The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), which was founded in 1948 created World Mental Health Day, which was first observed on the 10th of October 1992. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) “The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of metal health.”

The hashtag used for this event is #WorldMentalHealthDay.

Theme

For 2022, theme is “Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority”. This focuses on spreading awareness of mental health and to encourage individuals to share their stories about their mental health.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO): “Whilst the pandemic has, and continues to, take its toll on our mental health, the ability to reconnect through World Mental Health Day 2022 will provide us with an opportunity to re-kindle our efforts to protect and improve mental health.”

What can I do to improve my mental health?

According to mind.org.uk: “There are lots of things we can try to take care of our wellbeing. We have tips to help you:

• Relax and reduce stress
• Find ways to learn and be creative
• Spend time in nature
• Connect with others
• Look after your physical health
• Try to get enough sleep

It’s not always easy to start with caring for your wellbeing. You might find it helpful to:

• Only try what feels comfortable
• Give yourself time to figure out what works for you, going at your own pace
• Take small steps. Pick one or two things that feel achievable at first, before moving on to try other ideas.”

We discussed previously during Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place earlier in May on how one can improve their mental health and reduce loneliness, we recommend that you have a read of it here.

How do I join in World Mental Health Day?

You can join in World Mental Health Day by:

• Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other articles and information which details why World Mental Health Day is so important, you will help to raise awareness.

• Check in on your family and friends – By checking in on your family and friends, you can help them to open up about how they are feeling, what is worrying them and then assist them with their worries.

If I can’t join in World Mental Health Day, is there any other way to help?

If you would like to donate to a charity focused on mental health, we have listed a few below:

• Mind – “We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.” If you would like to donate to Mind, then please visit www.mind.org.uk/donate.

• Mental Health Foundation – “Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health. With prevention at heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.” If you would like to donate to the Mental Health Foundation, then please visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/donate.

• World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) – “WFMH is an international membership organisation founded in 1948 to advance, among all people and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health.” If you would like donate to the WFMH then please visit wfmh.global/donate-now.

• Rethink – “As experts in mental illness, we know that with the right support and information people severely affected by mental illness can have a good quality of life. That’s why our aim is to meet each person’s individual needs and make sure everyone is living with a mental illness is treated with dignity and respect.” If you would like to donate to Rethink, then please visit my.rethink.org/donorhub.

If you feel that your mental health is being affected, be sure to reach out to your support system or a mental health support service as soon as possible.

We recommend that you get in touch with Able Futures, which is a government funded charity, which can provide a program/support for all matters relating to mental health, their website is able-futures.co.uk and their direct number is 0800 323 3137.

Background

Black History Month is held Globally on an annual basis.

Black History Month was founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland in the United States of America (originally named as “Negro History Week” until after 1976). The UK’s first celebration of Black History Month was in 1987.

According to history.co.uk: “Every October in the UK since 1987, the country has celebrated Black History Month, a month dedicated to remembering the contributions of those people from African and Caribbean heritage, as well as Asian, to our country’s history. All too often the history books have written their stories out of our past and Black History Month acts as a constant reminder that our country has a rich and diverse cultural heritage.”

Theme

For 2022, the theme for Black History Month is “Time for change: Action Not Words”.

According to blackhistorymonth.org.uk: “To get to a better tomorrow, we can’t just focus on the past. The past is in the past. We can acknowledge and learn from it, but to improve the future, we need action, not words. We need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.”

Black History Month aim is to raise awareness and for more individuals to celebrate this month and become an advocate for diversity and inclusion by ensuring that individuals of different race and ethnicities are treated equally both publicly, privately and in the workplace. According to harperbazaar.com: “Black History Month enables both adults and children to gain a broader understanding of Black histories, going beyond racism and slavery to also spotlight Black achievement. It helps us all to see that Black history is also British history.”

Why is Black History Month so important?

According to Gov.uk: “Ultimately, Black History is all of our history. Not only is it important to remember the achievements of Black people, but it’s important to recognise the that make us both unique and alike and to celebrate diversity.

Diverse teams are the best way to foster understanding of the needs of people from all backgrounds. It helps us understand how to relate with our colleagues, customers and society as a whole. Diversity fuels our innovation and helps create more vibrant and engaging workplaces.”

Black History Month gives individuals an opportunity to assist in creating a more inclusive workplace by removing racism. According to motivationalspeakersagency.co.uk:” Studies revealed that 60% of Black professionals still experience racism in the workplace, so a key motivator behind Black History Month is to highlight how people from such communities have made pivotal contributions to society.” If you would like to read more into the survey which contains these studies, then please click here.

How do I join in Black History Month?

You can join in Black History Month by:

• Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other articles and information regarding Black History Month.

• Join an event hosted for Black History Month – Multiple events are being hosted by Black History Month and other collaborators throughout this month, if you would like to join an event, we recommend you to go to www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/listings.

• Read up about recent highlights – Black History Month posts recent highlights, including achievements, opinions and much more. If you would like to read up about Black History Month’s recent highlights, then please go to www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/section-tag/highlights.

• Research and share achievements and historical milestones of black people in the UK – There are lists of hundreds of achievements and key figures on the internet. For example, you could speak about Lewis Hamilton, the first black British man to join Formula 1.

If I can’t join in Black History Month, is there any other way to help?

You would like to donate to a charity focused on helping racial equality, we have listed a few below:

• Stop Hate UK – “Stop Hate UK is a leading anti-hate and anti-discrimination organisation for corporate, statutory and community sectors. Today, we operate the UK’s only free dedicated 24-hour anti-Hate Crime reporting service for all monitored strands of a person’s identity or perceived identity (Disability, Race, Faith, Sexual orientation and Transgender identity, as well as Age and Alternative subculture).” If you would like to donate to Stop Hate UK then please go to https://www.stophateuk.org/donate.

• Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) – “We’re a charitable organisation that’s here to support victims of hate within our community. We also aim to promote equality and good relations between people with protected characteristics, as defined by law.” If you would like to donate to SARI then please go to https://saricharity.org.uk/help-us/donate.

• Runnymede – “Proudly independent, for over 50 years Runnymede’s esteemed research, analysis and policy development has provided the evidence to challenge racial injustice.” If you would like to donate to Runnymede then please go to https://www.runnymedetrust.org/donate.

Background

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) takes place on the 10th of September on an annual basis.

World Suicide Prevention Day is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and seeks to raise awareness of suicide prevention and provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

Theme

For 2022, the theme is “Creating Hope Through Action”, which focuses on giving others confidence to take action.

According to the IASP: “By encouraging, understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, we want to give people the confidence to take action. To prevent suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain.”

The hashtags being used this year is #WSD2022 and #bethelight

How do I join in World Suicide Prevention Day?

You can join in World Suicide Prevention Day by:

• Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other articles and information about world suicide prevention day and why it is so important and help to raise awareness.
  
  The IASP has added a “resources” section on their webpage which includes content that you can use on your social media such as posters, facts and figures, banners and much more. If you would like to use these resources, then please visit https://www.iasp.info/WSPD/resources. The hashtags which are being used this year is #WSD2022 and #bethelight.

• Join an event – The IASP has a events section on their website so you can find either face-to-face or online events hosted by charities which are local to you. If you would like to join a World Suicide Prevention Day event, then please visit https://www.iasp.info/wspd.

• Spend time with family and friends – With how tough the last couple of years have been on us all, check in regularly with your family and friends, spend some time with them, go for a night out, a meal or even a little movie night in to see how they are doing, sometimes a little chat is all that an individual requires.

If you feel like you are struggling to cope, be sure to reach out to your support network as soon as possible.

We recommend that you reach out to the Samaritans to talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can call the Samaritans anonymously on 116 123, which is free from any phone. If you do not wish to speak to someone on the phone, then you can send an email jo@samaritans.org.

Background

Migraine Awareness Week is celebrated nationally on an annual basis. It seeks to raise awareness of migraines as a serious public health issue and to reduce stigma and is organised by The Migraine Trust.

The Migraine Trust was founded in 1965 and are focused on helping people who are affected by migraines. According to The Migraine Trust: “The Migraine Trust is dedicated to helping people affected by migraine. We are the only UK migraine charity providing information and support, campaigning for awareness and change, and funding and promoting research.

One in seven million people in the UK live with migraine, and this complex and debilitating neurological disorder significantly affects their lives.”

This year Migraine Awareness Week will place from the 5th – 10th September 2022. The hashtag which will being used this year will be #MigraineAwarenessWeek2022.

What is a Migraine?

According to the NHS: “A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head. Many people also have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.”

The NHS further states about the different types of migraine: “There are several types of migraine, including:

• Migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights.

• Migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine happens without the specific warning signs.

• Migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop.”

How can I raise awareness of Migraine Awareness Week?

Raising awareness is simple and straightforward:

• Sharing on social media – by sharing this article and other articles and information about migraines and why Migraine Awareness Week is important and to help raise awareness.

• Sharing experiences – most of us during our lifetime will have suffered from migraine(s), and so it is important to share our experience in the event it aids another individual.

Background

International Day of Charity is celebrated globally on the 5th of September on an annual basis.

It was founded through a Hungarian civil society initiative with the support of the Hungarian Parliament and Government in 2011. In 2012, International Day of Charity was declared as an official event by the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the United Nations: “The date of 5 September was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 ‘for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace’”.

Why is International Day of Charity important?

According to the United Nations: “Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies.

Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.”

Charity is one of few ways to help people and countries in need of help, as a result of:

• Natural disasters,
• Poverty,
• Lack of food, water and access to other basic necessities.

How do I join in International Day of Charity?

You can join in International Day of Charity by:

• Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other articles and information which details why International Day of Charity is so important and what you, your family or your business are doing to join in today. By doing this you will also encourage others to join in and to provide support.

• Join an event hosted by a local charity – You can check with your preferred charity if they have organised any local events and join in the festivities or make a family day out of it.

• Volunteer to help – You can help your local charity organisations by volunteering in a capacity where both your personal and professional skills can be utilised to aid the work  that your local charity is focused on.

• Donate to charity – By donating to a charity, you are supporting them and assisting the charity with the work that they do. If you have a charity day at work you can organise an event in order to collect money for charity.