May 2024
►National Walking Month
Beltane | Pagan
May Day Bank Holiday
Deaf Awareness Week
1 - 7 May |
Yom Hasheah (Holocaust Rememberance)
5 - 6 May |
International Family Equality Day
IFED Motto 2024: - WE ARE FAMILY! |
World Asthma Day
National Day for Staff Networks
Aims to encourage collaboration, support-aligned activity and further inspire the voice of network members |
Ascension of the Lord | Christian
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is one of the great solemnities in the Christian liturgical calendar and commemorates the bodily ascension of Jesus into heaven |
International Nurses Day
Celebrated around the world on the birthday of Florence Nightingale |
ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day
The birthday of Florence Nightingale is also designated the International Awareness Day of ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Unknown to many, nurse Nightingale suffered from a debilitating illness resembling ME or fibromyalgia, and often struggled with fatigue. This is why we raise the awareness of these little-understood conditions on this day. Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a serious long-term illness that affects many body systems. People suffering with ME/CFS have severe fatigue and sleep problems, and symptoms can get much worse even after minor physical, mental and emotional effort (a phenomenon known as post-exertional malaise). Fibromyalgia is a similar chronic condition that causes pain all over the body. On 12 May, take the time to learn more about these conditions and listen to the stories of people who suffer with them. Wear blue to raise awareness and show support for people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, their families and caregivers, and researchers studying these illnesses |
Mental Health Awareness Week
13 - 19 May |
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is a global event that shines a light on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities, getting everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people in the world with disabilities / impairments. Every user deserves a first-rate digital experience on the web. Someone with a disability must be able to experience web-based services, content and other digital products with the same successful outcome as those without disabilities |
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia
Pentecost (Whitsun) | Christian
The seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, and the birth of the Christian Church |
Whitsun
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Declaration of the Báb | Bahá’í
22 - 23 May |
Vesak (‘Buddha Day’) | Buddhist
The most important of the Buddhist festivals. It celebrates the Buddha’s birthday and, for some Buddhists, also marks his enlightenment and death |
Spring Bank Holiday