March Awareness Days – Introduction
Let’s explore some of the key UK March awareness days that take place annually. We’ll look at the history and significance of each event, any associated charities or campaigns, and how you can get involved. Awareness days are important for highlighting issues, celebrating causes, and educating the public. By devoting a specific day or week to a particular topic, organisations can promote understanding, raise money, and inspire action. In the UK, March is host to several major awareness events. From health conditions to cultural celebrations, this month helps shine a spotlight on diverse issues in the British society.
March Awareness Days – St. David’s Day – 1st March
St. David’s Day, celebrated on the 1st of March every year, is a celebration of great cultural significance, especially within the Welsh community. It commemorates St. David, the patron saint of Wales, known for his teachings and his simple, ascetic way of life. Celebrating St. David’s Day can be a wonderful way to foster inclusivity by encouraging staff to share their own cultural traditions and stories, thereby enhancing our sense of community and understanding. Understanding and celebrating such days not only honors cultural diversity but also supports our collective wellbeing by emphasising respect, unity, and the vibrancy brought about by embracing different cultures.
Endometriosis Awareness Week – 1st-7th March
Endometriosis Awareness Week is dedicated to shining a light on a medical condition that affects approximately one in ten women globally. Characterised by tissue similar to the lining of the womb growing in other parts of the body, endometriosis is often a painful and invisible condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, including their ability to work effectively. At Wellbeing In Your Office, we understand the challenges that such health conditions can present in a professional setting. Thus, it’s during this week that we urge everyone – managers, wellbeing officers, and colleagues alike – to deepen their understanding of endometriosis. Encourage open dialogues about this condition, promote empathy and offer appropriate support in the workplace.
March Awareness Days – International Women’s Day (March 8th)
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th. It’s a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911, supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific. The day is marked in the UK through various initiatives and events. Many groups and organisations hold talks, rallies, marches, conferences and festivals to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. Major companies and brands also participate through internal events or social media campaigns.
March Awareness Days – No Smoking Day – March 9th
The aim of this March Awareness Day is to encourage and support smokers to quit smoking and kickstart their journey towards a smoke-free life. The first No Smoking Day was launched in 1984 by the Health Education Council. Since then it has been organised by the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). No Smoking Day often marks the beginning of a series of stop smoking activities in the lead up to World No Tobacco Day on 31 May.
On No Smoking Day, smokers are encouraged to quit smoking for good. Those who pledge to go smokefree for the day are five times more likely to quit altogether. Free support and advice is offered by the NHS, local stop smoking services and charities to help people quit. Everything from apps, email and Facebook support, to local events are available.
No Smoking Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the harms caused by smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death. In the UK, around 78,000 people a year die from smoking. Many more live with debilitating smoking-related illnesses. No Smoking Day aims to motivate smokers to quit by providing facts about smoking risks and highlighting the benefits of quitting.
The day also rallies communities to support smokefree environments. Secondhand smoke exposure has been reduced through legislation banning smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces. However, more action is still needed to achieve the government’s vision for a smokefree UK by 2030. No Smoking Day encourages more schools, hospitals, playgrounds and communities to go completely smokefree.
March Awareness Days – World Kidney Day – March 10th
The purpose of World Kidney Day is to highlight that kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable. In the UK, around 3 million people suffer from chronic kidney disease, but many are unaware they have the condition as there are often no symptoms until the late stages. Kidney disease is the 8th leading cause of death in England accounting for around 18,000 deaths per year.
There are a few key ways to protect your kidney health and reduce your risk of developing kidney disease:
- Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush toxins from your kidneys and prevents kidney stones.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity is a major risk factor for developing kidney disease. Losing weight (if needed) and maintaining a healthy BMI protects kidney function.
- Control blood pressure and diabetes – High blood pressure and diabetes damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys leading to chronic kidney disease. Monitoring blood glucose levels and keeping blood pressure in a healthy range are important.
- Avoid overuse of painkillers – Long term frequent use of over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen can harm kidney function. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.
- Get tested annually if at high risk – A simple urine and blood test can detect kidney disease. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or family history of kidney failure should get tested regularly.
The key message of World Kidney Day is that kidney health matters. Simple lifestyle changes and awareness of risk factors allows prevention and early detection of kidney disease before irreversible damage occurs.
Saint Patrick’s Day – March 17th
Another March Awareness Day is Saint Patrick’s Day, which is a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17th each year. The holiday originated as a feast day commemorating Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the early 5th century. It is widely celebrated around the world, especially among those with Irish ancestry and connections.
In the UK and Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day is a celebration of culture and heritage. The day is an opportunity for people to connect with Irish roots and traditions, no matter their ethnic background. Celebrations typically involve public parades, festivals, Irish food and drink, music, dancing, and wearing green attire. The biggest parades take place in Dublin, Belfast, Galway, Cork, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham and other cities with large Irish populations.
In Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day is more of a religious occasion and the celebrations are more subdued, with religious ceremonies and family gatherings. Many Irish people start the day by attending mass, where there are special prayers said for missionaries worldwide. Afterward, families gather for a traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage. People also wear shamrocks and green clothing in commemoration of Saint Patrick’s use of the three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity. Public parades also take place in towns and villages throughout Ireland.
While Saint Patrick’s Day in the UK is largely focused on celebrating Irish culture and heritage, the religious origins and significance of the holiday remain at the core for many Irish people. The day represents an opportunity to recognise Ireland’s patron saint, while also connecting with Irish customs through food, music and festivities.
Comic Relief – Red Nose Day – 15th March
Comic Relief is more than just a day of comedic relief and vibrant red noses; it’s a movement that underscores the impact collective action and shared compassion can have on those in need. Embracing Comic Relief in the office can take various forms, from hosting fun fundraising events to engaging in creative challenges that not only bring teams together but also shine a light on the crucial issues the campaign supports, such as mental health awareness, child poverty, and other significant causes.
This commitment to making a difference—coupled with the inherent joy and unity that comes from shared laughter—can profoundly enhance office morale, reminding us that our collective efforts can indeed pave the way for positive change. As we gear up for Comic Relief 2024, let’s embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds, leveraging our office communities to contribute to a wave of change, all while bolstering our own spirit of teamwork and wellbeing.
World Down Syndrome Day – 21st March
World Down Syndrome Day, observed on March 21st, holds a special place in our calendar, symbolising a collective moment to recognise, celebrate, and advocate for the inclusion, wellbeing, and rights of people with Down syndrome. This day prompts us to reflect on the importance of creating a supportive, inclusive work environment where diversity is not merely accepted but embraced wholeheartedly. Down syndrome, a genetic condition characterised by an extra chromosome 21, brings with it unique challenges as well as perspectives that enrich our communities and workplaces. Recognising the value and potential of every individual, regardless of their differences, is at the core of fostering a positive workplace culture.
On World Down Syndrome Day, we are reminded of the critical role empathy, awareness, and education play in breaking down barriers. By promoting understanding and advocating for equal rights and opportunities, we pave the way for a more inclusive society. In the office, this can translate into practical steps such as facilitating accessibility, offering flexible working arrangements, or implementing training sessions focused on diversity and inclusion. These actions not only support individuals with Down syndrome but also cultivates an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
As we observe World Down Syndrome Day, let it be a powerful reminder of the strength found in diversity and the importance of advocating for inclusivity in every aspect of our lives, including the workplace. By championing these values, we not only support people with Down syndrome but also build a more compassionate, understanding, and effective work culture. Let’s use this day to renew our commitment to creating work environments where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is given the opportunity to thrive.
March Awareness Days – Earth Hour – 23rd March
Earth Hour is an annual tradition that started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 as a lights out event to raise awareness about sustainability and climate change. Organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour has grown into a global movement with individuals, communities, businesses and landmarks in over 180 countries and territories participating by turning off their lights for one hour.
In the UK, hundreds of landmarks, buildings, businesses, and millions of people take part in Earth Hour. Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle, Brighton Pier, and Cardiff Castle are among the landmarks that have gone dark for Earth Hour in the past. WWF-UK runs the Earth Hour campaign, encouraging people to switch off for the planet and make sustainability a part of their lifestyle beyond the hour.
Going green doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some easy tips for making your life more eco-friendly this Earth Hour and beyond:
- Switch to energy efficient LED light bulbs
- Unplug devices and electronics when not in use
- Take shorter showers to conserve water
- Walk, bike or take public transport instead of driving
- Avoid single-use plastics like bottles, bags and straws
- Shop local, organic and sustainably sourced foods
- Plant native flowers, trees or herbs to help pollinators
- Upcycle, repair, share and donate instead of buying new
- Get creative and spread the word about sustainability!
By taking small steps together, we can make a big difference for our planet. This Earth Hour, switch off your lights and switch on to building a brighter future.
March Awareness Days – World Purple Day – March 26th
World Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. This annual event on March 26th aims to spread global understanding of epilepsy, eliminate stigma, and highlight the need for better treatment, care, and rights for those impacted.
The purpose of World Purple Day is to promote epilepsy education and awareness. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting around 600,000 people in the UK. It is characterised by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement or altered consciousness caused by electrical disturbances in the brain.
There are over 40 different types of epilepsy that can affect people differently. Seizures can vary from brief staring spells to severe convulsions. Around 1 in 100 people will have an unprovoked seizure at some point in their lives. Epilepsy is more common in young children and older adults, but can affect people of any age.
While epilepsy is typically controlled with medication, about 30% of people with epilepsy have seizures that resist treatment. Living with uncontrolled seizures can lead to physical injuries and medical complications. It also increases the risk of premature death. Raising awareness helps highlight the need for better access to specialized care.
On Purple Day, people are encouraged to wear purple and spread the word about epilepsy. Organisations like Epilepsy Society and Epilepsy Action provide critical services like helplines, support groups, assisted technology, and advocacy. Wearing purple and educating others helps reduce stigma, corrects misconceptions, and empowers those living with seizures.
March Awareness Days – Conclusion
Throughout March, there are many awareness days and campaigns taking place across the UK. This highlights the wide range of issues and causes that need support and public attention in our society today. Some of the key awareness days we covered included International Women’s Day, which celebrates women’s achievements and calls for gender equality. No Smoking Day encourages people to quit smoking for their health. World Kidney Day and Down Syndrom Day shine a spotlight on important health issues that impact many lives.
The variety of awareness days and months that happen across the year are vital to continuing important conversations and keeping these issues in the public consciousness. And increased awareness can lead to positive changes in public policy, social attitudes, research funding, and more.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as professional health, legal, or business advice. Readers should always consult with appropriate health professionals, human resource experts, or legal advisors for specific concerns related to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication, Wellbeing In Your Office cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes, updates, or revisions of the aforementioned content.