Diversity Calendar
Key cultural dates and planned activities for 2024/25
Or see below for a full Diversity and Inclusion Calendar
1st August - Lughnasadh (Pagan)
A time to celebrate the first harvest of the year.
1st to 7th August - World Breastfeeding Week
Celebrate breastfeeding mums in all their diversity, throughout their breastfeeding journeys
9th August - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Peoples have the right to make their own decisions and carry them out meaningfully and culturally appropriate to them
12th August - International Youth Day
The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The first IYD was observed on 12 August 2000
19th August - Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)
It is an annual Hindu festival celebrated by siblings i.e. brothers and sisters. The word Raksha means “to protect” and Bandhan means “Bond”, so Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrating the bond of protection and care between brothers and sisters.
30th August - Grief Awareness Day
National Grief Awareness Day is observed to raise awareness for the many ways people cope with loss. The day is significant for those who are suffering, and it also encourages us to help those who are experiencing grief in their lives.
1st to 30th September - World Alzheimer's Month
World Alzheimer's Day is a global opportunity to raise awareness around, educate, encourage support of and demystify dementia.
1st to 30th September - East and South East Asian Heritage Month
East and South East Asian Heritage Month is an annual celebration held during September to highlight the histories, achievements, and unique identities of East and South East Asian communities
East and South East Asian Heritage Month
10 September - World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). WHO has been co-sponsor of the day. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.
18th September - International Equal Pay Day
International Equal Pay Day, represents the longstanding efforts towards the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value.
21st September - International Day of Peace
Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
21st September - Mabon - Autumn Equinox (Pagan)
The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally, and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark.
23rd September - Bi Visibility Day
Bi Visibility Day raises bi awareness and challenges bisexual & biromantic erasure
26th September - Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)
This Hindu religious festival commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of the deity Vishnu.
1st to 31st October - ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD Awareness Month’s goal is to provide reliable information and resources to help people thrive with ADHD
1st to 31st October - Black History Month
This month-long observance is a chance to celebrate Black achievement and provide a fresh reminder to take stock of where systemic racism persists
1st to 31st October - Dwarfism Awareness Month
Dwarfism Awareness Month is observed every October to raise positive awareness about dwarfism, dispel myths and misconceptions, and promote inclusivity
1st October - International Day of Older Persons
This day aims to raise awareness about the issues affecting older individuals and to appreciate their contributions to society.
International Day of Older Persons
2nd to 8th October - Dyslexia Awareness Week
Dyslexia Awareness Week is an annual event organized by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) to raise awareness about dyslexia and challenge common misconceptions.
6th to 12th October - Dyspraxia Awareness Week
Dyspraxia Awareness Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about dyspraxia, a condition that affects physical coordination and can impact fine motor skills and articulation.
10th October - World Mental Health Day
This day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues globally and mobilize efforts to support mental health.
12th October - Yom Kippur (Jewish)
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, holds a significant place in the Jewish calendar. It is a solemn day dedicated to reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness for sins
18th October - World Menopause Day
World Menopause Day aims to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing
21st to 27th October - National Adoption Week
National Adoption Week is observed annually in the UK during the third week of October. The week aims to raise awareness about adoption and celebrate the positive impact it has on families.
24th to 31st October - Care Experienced Week
Care Experienced Week is an annual event held at the end of October to celebrate and support the Care Experienced community. The week provides opportunities for Care Experienced individuals to connect, share their stories, and advocate for their rights.
26th October - Intersex Awareness Day
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the human rights issues faced by intersex people.
31st October - Samhain (Pagan)
Samhain is a pagan religious festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition. It is usually celebrated to welcome in the harvest and usher in “the dark half of the year.”