October 2025 Newsletter
Go Sober this October
Are you going sober this October? Giving up alcohol for even a few days can be beneficial to your health in the long term. While you might not get to wear a cape, you may benefit from a clearer head, weight loss and better sleep.
This clever alcohol calculator will show you how much you’d gain financially and the calories you’d save! https://www.gosober.org.uk/alcohol-calculator
Why not give sober a try? https://www.gosober.org.uk/
Stoptober
It’s time to shine! Let’s stop smoking together this October. Support from friends, family and health professionals can help you quit smoking and stick with it! Whether it’s your first time or you’re trying again, this Stoptober is your chance to quit for good.
Your long-term risks of many health conditions are reduced and you’ll feel the benefits within a few short days, from improved sense of smell and taste to more energy and breathing more easily. Why not give it a try?
(Campaign resources here: https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk/campaigns/stoptober-2025/)
(Detail any offerings you have in practice/locally.)
ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting people of all ages. Yet despite how common it is, ADHD is still widely misunderstood.
ADHD affects focus, emotional regulation, memory, motivation, time management and more. It shows up differently in everyone across age groups and genders. With better understanding comes better support.
This year, we’re talking about the ‘Many faces of ADHD’. Myths about ADHD are harmful and can perpetuate stigma and pain, so during ADHD Awareness Month, it’s the ideal time to share the facts
National Cholesterol Month
Be the boss of your own cholesterol! Did you know that one in two adults in the UK have high cholesterol? By making small, realistic changes – like eating heart-healthy foods, moving more and checking in with your GP – you can take real steps towards protecting your heart and overall wellbeing.
We need certain levels of fats in our blood but when it gets too high, it can lead to health problems in the future. By understanding your cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) levels, you can take the steps you need to take to a healthier life.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but early detection can improve outcomes so let’s share awareness and know the signs. Breast cancer can also develop in men, but this is rare with less than one in 100 (less than 1%) cases in the UK.
Remember to regularly touch, look and check. Get to know your normal by checking your breasts regularly. Touch your breasts. Look for changes. Check anything new or unusual with a GP.
Back Care Awareness Week, 3rd – 7th October
Back Care Awareness Week is a great opportunity to consider simple, practical tips to support spinal health and help manage back pain.
Move regularly
Avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long.
Think about your posture
Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed and both feet flat on the floor. Use a chair that supports your lower back.
Lift with care
Bend your knees, not your back. Keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting.
Stay active
Regular exercise like walking, swimming or yoga helps strengthen your back and improve flexibility.
Adjust your workspace
Make sure your desk, chair and screen are set up to reduce strain. A good ergonomic setup goes a long way.
Listen to your body
Speak to a healthcare professional if you’re concerned.
Dyspraxia Awareness Week, 6th – 12th October
Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a common disorder that affects movement and coordination. This year, during Dyspraxia Awareness Week, we’re focusing on ‘Dyspraxia & Ageing’.
The signs of dyspraxia often become noticeable in early childhood, typically when a child begins school and engages in physical and learning activities. These symptoms frequently persist into adulthood, affecting coordination, movement and daily functioning.
Finding support can make the world of difference: https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/condition/dyspraxia/
National Hygiene Week, 6th – 12th October
Over 5.3 million people in the UK are facing hygiene poverty. They may have to choose between feeding the family or buying personal cleaning products. But hygiene poverty isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about dignity, opportunity and access to basic needs that many take for granted.
When people can’t afford everyday hygiene essentials like toothpaste, period products, nappies or laundry detergent, it affects everything.
This National Hygiene Week, we’re raising awareness and asking to end hygiene poverty for good.
World Dyslexia Awareness Day, 8th October
This World Dyslexia Awareness Day, we’re raising awareness and helping support people with dyslexia. It affects one in ten people, mainly impacting on reading, writing and processing skills. But with the right support, people with dyslexia can thrive and excel. By sharing stories and information, this can help encourage early diagnosis and appropriate accommodations to help people with dyslexia reach their full potential in education, work and life. https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
World Mental Health Day, 10th October
Mental health doesn’t take a day off. Fight for mental health today, for a brighter future on World Mental Health Day. This annual event marks the day when we recognise and raise awareness of mental health issues. This year, the theme is to ‘fight for mental health’ every day. Mental health issues affect people every single day of their lives. It’s time to ‘fight for mental health’, today and every day.
(We’d recommend adding local offerings for mental health provision when adding to a newsletter, and crisis numbers such as Samaritans.)
National Coming Out Day, 11th October
Coming out is a unique experience for each LGBTQ+ person. It’s not a one-time event; many LGBTQ+ individuals who come out to their closest friends and family may later come out at work or school, to their extended family or to casual acquaintances. Talking about coming out and sharing our stories can help others. It can be daunting, but it can also be the first time that LGBTQ+ individuals are able to be truly open.
National Coming Out Day is observed annually to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. This day is vital, highlighting[PS3] the importance of coming out, challenging biases and promoting acceptance.
National OCD Awareness Week, 12th – 18th October
OCD Awareness Week aims to break the stigma around Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This disorder affects 1 in 50 people in the UK and can become all-encompassing, causing huge stress to sufferers and their families and friends
If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), this causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals and behaviours.
A mix of different factors can cause OCD.
The usual treatment options for OCD are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication. If you have OCD, you may find that it affects areas of your life like work or relationships.
With the right support, OCD can be managed. If you’re worried, reach out to a healthcare professional. https://ocdaction.org.uk/
National Adoption Week, 16th – 22nd October
During National Adoption Week, we’re celebrating every kind of adoption journey – because every family is different. We’re also celebrating the people who make those journeys possible, from birth families and social workers to adoptive parents and adopted individuals themselves.
There’s an urgent need for adopters in the UK, with children all over searching for the loving home that will change their lives. There are many myths around adoption but provided you can offer a safe, secure home, you should be eligible to adopt. Start the journey to a make difference to a child’s life today. https://www.youcanadopt.co.uk/
#YouCanAdopt
World Menopause Day, 18th October
Menopause can be incredibly challenging, and it’s often misunderstood or overlooked.
Symptoms can include hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes, sleep disruption and anxiety which can significantly impact on daily life, work and relationships. Support, a healthy lifestyle and options of medication can help, but for many there are still unpredictable impacts.
World Menopause Day helps to raise awareness of the menopause and its associated health issues as well as the support available to improve wellbeing. Focusing this year on ‘Lifestyle Medicine’, we’re considering how nutrition, exercise, sleep and managing stress can help manage perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
If you’re concerned or need additional support, please do contact your healthcare practitioner. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/things-you-can-do/
(If you have a menopause nurse or group, highlight that here.)
Infection Prevention Week, 19th – 25th October
Infection Prevention Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness about how simple actions can prevent the spread of infections and protect the most vulnerable in our communities. Infections can spread quickly, but many are preventable. Whether it’s through proper hand hygiene, vaccinations or knowing when to seek medical advice, we all play a role in keeping our community safe.
There are some simple tips you can follow to prevent infections:
- Keep up to date with vaccinations
- Avoid kissing babies on the face or hands
- Stay home if you’re feeling unwell
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Seek medical advice early if you’re concerned about symptoms
World Osteoporosis Day, 20th October
Osteoporosis affects over 500 million people worldwide. Treatments can include medication to strengthen the bones. You can also help to manage your condition with lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, including weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities, along with a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D or supplements, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
If you’re concerned or need extra support, please do contact your GP. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/treatment/
World Stroke Day, 30th October
Knowing the signs can help make a real difference Think FAST!
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 999