RAISING AWARENESS THIS MONTH IN HEALTH


Each edition, our guide highlights some key health awareness days and weeks in the UK, giving pharmacies practical ways to engage patients, improve health outcomes and boost their local presence. From screening and advice to educational campaigns, explore ways to make a meaningful impact for your patients.


Key Dates in September


Know Your Numbers Week by Blood Pressure UK


Runs between September 7 and 13


• Promote and offer blood pressure checks throughout the week at the pharmacy.


• Create a “know your numbers” check-in appointment offering blood pressure, BMI/weight and waist measurement checks.


• Create prominent displays in store and online to raise awareness of the dangers of hypertension.


• Offer blood pressure screening sessions at local clubs and businesses within the local community.


• Get team members to create short videos for social media explaining why blood pressure matters, what happens during a check and how a pharmacy can help.


Access more resources and ideas at: bloodpressureuk.org


Migraine Awareness Week


Runs between September 21 and 27


• Create an instore display or social media campaign highlighting migraine triggers for example, stress and sleep disturbances.


• Run a headache and migraine clinic with appointments to discuss treatment options and frequency of attacks.


• Create migraine self-care packs including hydration advice and sachets, medication advice and tips on how to manage stress.


• Migraines can be linked to hormonal changes so you could hold specific health clinics or awareness campaigns for women.


Access more resources and ideas at: migrainetrust.org/ get-involved


World Patient Safety Day


September 17


• Offer medication safety check up clinics for patients to discuss their prescriptions and any OTC medicines and vitamins they may be taking.


• Run an “ask about your medicines” campaign where you encourage patients to ask any questions or raise any concerns they may have about medication they are taking.


• Focus on raising awareness of medicines commonly associated with patient safety incidents eg. anticoagulants, insulin, opioids.


• Run a safe disposal campaign encouraging patients to return expired and unused medicines.


Access more resources and ideas at: who.int/news-room/events


World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month


Runs throughout September


• Host a “Spot the Signs” information day where customers can pick up information sheets, ask questions about memory concerns and be signposted to relevant health and care settings that help with diagnosis.


• Promote the use of monthly blister packs which can support patients who are taking medication for Alzheimer’s Disease.


• Run a promotional campaign on how to support someone living with Alzheimer’s Disease, signposting to local charities and helplines as well as respite centres.


• Run a social media campaign on how to live well with Alzheimer’s Disease including tips on how to maintain independence and access support in the wider community.


Access more resources and ideas at: alzheimers/ get-involved.org.uk


World Menopause Day October 18


• Run a social media campaign highlighting the lesser known symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause or highlight myths and facts of the menopause/ perimenopause.


• Offer advice about the different types of HRT available and signpost patients accordingly.


• Highlight tools that patients can use to track their menopause/ perimenopause symptoms.


Find more resources and ideas at: www.usdaw.org.uk


ADHD Awareness Month


Runs throughout October


• Create an information display in the branch explaining what ADHD is, where patients can go for diagnosis and support.


• Run a campaign detailing how ADHD impacts adults in their day-to-day lives, for example in the workplace, during the menopause.


• Hold a medication support clinic for ADHD patients on how to take their medications correctly and the importance of adherence and safe storage of medicines.


• Provide guidance for parents and carers who are supporting patients with ADHD including tips on routine building strategies and supporting with medication.


Find more resources and ideas at: adhdeurope.eu/ upcoming-events


Runs throughout October


• Create a dedicated area in the pharmacy offering stop smoking advice and quitting aids.


• Promote stop smoking consultations and follow-up support sessions available within the pharmacy.


• Run a daily social media campaign highlighting the difference people will see in the days that follow their quit date for example, day seven improved circulation.


• Highlight success stories from patients who have already used your stop smoking service.


• Target younger adults on social media about the dangers of vaping.


Find more resources and ideas at: nhs.uk/better-health/ quit-smoking


World Mental Health Day October 10


• Run a wellbeing check-in day offering consultations on stress levels, sleep quality and lifestyle factors.


• Offer a mental health medication support clinic where patients can ask questions about the medication they are on and raise any concerns.


• Poor sleep and mental health can be closely linked so offer support and advice on how to improve sleep.


• Share practical advice on social media about mindfulness, breathing techniques and work-life balance.


Find more resources and ideas at: mentalhealth-uk.or


Key Dates in October


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