The slow season for campaigns continues throughout August. However, there are some noteworthy initiatives in the UK and internationally for this month:
- National Road Victim Month: this initiative is organised by roadpeace.org. There are various events across the UK where those who have died in road accidents can be remembered.
- World Breastfeeding Week 01-07 August: this event is organised by the World Alliance for Breast-feeding Action. The aim is to highlight the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring to both the health and welfare of babies, as well as a wider push for maternal health, focusing on good nutrition, poverty reduction and food security. The theme for this year is ‘Protect Breastfeeding, a Shared Responsibility’.
- International Women’s Day, 03 August: this year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge.
- Playday 2021, 04 August: a campaign held to celebrate the importance of play in children’s lives. The theme this year is to celebrate a Summer of Play. Follow the link to access information on events near you.
- Cycle to Work Day, 05 August: now an institution in the health events calendar. Cycling to work is a great way to get fit!
- National Allotments Week, 09-15 August: another great way to get fit – gardening! This year’s theme is ‘Plotting for the Future’. Definitely of interest for those among us with green fingers!
- Afternoon Tea Week, 09-15 August: and after all that activity, how about a nice cuppa! Follow the link for lots of information about the great British habit of taking afternoon tea.
- International Youth Day, 12 August: promoted by the United Nations, this day focusses specifically on ‘tweens’ and teenagers and their place in society.
- Never Give Up Day, 18 August: this is an international promotion where the focus of this day is all about cultivating a mindset of determination, which can help us to get through the difficult challenges that life throws our way.
- World Humanitarian Day, 19 August: another promotion day founded by the United Nations, its purpose is to raise awareness of the plight of civilians around the world who have become caught up in conflicts and honour and raise support for the humanitarian workers who risk, and sometimes lose, their lives to help. This year’s strapline is #theHumanRace.
- International Day of the Disappeared, 30 August: another United Nations founded day to draw attention to the numbers of people missing through conflict, disaster and migration and to show solidarity to their loved ones.