RAISING AWARENESS THIS MONTH IN HEALTH


Each issue, our new guide will highlight 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 May


Action on Stroke Month (Make May Purple)


• Use this as an opportunity to promote your blood pressure checking service. You can promote this in branch and also online via website and social media.


• Get a member of the team to record short video clips offering advice to patients on minimising the risk of strokes and then share them on social media throughout the month.


• Come up with a list of quick tips to educate patients on healthy lifestyle choices. For example: try taking the stairs instead of the lift OR three simple ways to avoid processed foods.


• Stand out from the crowd and decorate your branch in the colour purple or invite staff to take part in a wear purple day.


• Get on board with one of this year’s key initiatives and encourage your patients to walk, run or cycle for 31 minutes per day in May.


Access more resources and ideas at www.stroke.org.uk


Mental Health Awareness Week Runs from May 11 to May 17


• You could get your team to take part in the Wear it Green Day on May 14 to help raise awareness in your local community.


• Run a campaign online signposting patients to organisations that can support with mental health in your local community and nationally.


• Research shows that talking is good for your mental health, so why not host a Tea&Talk in branch?


• Stress is a major contributor to mental health so run a promotion in branch to raise awareness of stress relieving products.


Access more resources and ideas at www.mentalhealth.org.uk


World Hypertension Day May 17


• Tying in with Action on Stroke Month, this is an ideal time to promote your blood pressure checking service.


• You can also run a social media campaign highlighting the dangers of high blood pressure and how to reduce it.


Access more resources and ideas at www.whleague.org


Key Dates in June


Men’s Health Week Runs from June 8 to June 14


• Data shows that men are less likely to visit a GP, so pharmacies could bridge the gap. Use this week to offer health initiatives like blood pressure checks or stop smoking support.


• Create a men’s health display in store promoting heart health supplements, multivitamins for men and joint care support.


• Use your social media channels to raise awareness of silent conditions such as heart disease, mental health and prostate issues.


• Engage the community by partnering with local workplaces, gyms and sports clubs to offer health advice and leaflets.


Access more resources and ideas at www.menshealthforum.org.uk


World Blood Donor Day June 14


• Raise awareness in branch by setting up blood donation displays with posters, leaflets and FAQs.


• Collaborate with local donation centres to share upcoming donation sessions in your local community.


• You could provide blood pressure and wellness checks and offer guidance on preparing to give blood.


• Promote related products, online and in-store, such as iron supplements and hydration drinks.


• Use your social media channels to share donor stories, facts and tips.


Access more resources and ideas at blood.co.uk


International Self-Care Day July 24


• Self-care describes the role of individuals in preventing disease, managing their mental and physical health and actively participating in their healthcare. You can encourage walk in advice sessions on lifestyle guidance and promote products that can support patients to manage their own health.


• Create a self-care starter kit to sell to patients - this could include vitamins, first aid, pain relief and stress management items.


• Share simple self-care tips on your social media channels and highlight pharmacy services that support patients with self-care. Short videos work really well.


Access more resources and ideas at www.selfcarefederation.org


pharmacyinfocus.co.uk 43 Key Dates in July


Alcohol Awareness Week Takes place from July 6 to July 12


• In branch and online, promote safe drinking limits and guidance on local support services.


• Encourage challenges like “dry days” or “moderation week”.


• Promote stress relief products and sleep aids for those who are looking to reduce their alcohol intake.


Access more resources and ideas at alcoholchange.org.uk


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