News & Events

10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) which is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme this year is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, aiming to inspire communities to be more open and honest in discussions of suicidal behaviour and serves as a global call to action to raise awareness that suicide is preventable. Events and campaigns around the world aim to encourage open conversations about mental health, strengthen prevention strategies through education and community engagement.

Why it matters to adult social care and safeguarding:
Suicide claims a life every 90 minutes in the UK or Ireland. WSPD reinforces the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults by promoting mental health awareness, early intervention, and access to support services key components in preventing harm and protecting individuals at risk. Join the nation in interrupting suicidal thoughts, promote understanding, compassion, and support for those affected by suicide.

Grassroots Suicide Prevention charity have established an app, ‘Stay Alive’ which is an award winning suicide prevention resource which includes useful information and tools to support people stay safe in moments of crisis. It is available as a free-to-download app or on a web browser.

It includes:

LifeBox - a space to store life-affirming photos, images, videos, music, and files

Safety Plan - a plan to help recognise signs a suicidal crisis is beginning or escalating, and actions to stay safe

Wellness Plan - a plan for longer term recovery

Breathing exercises - a range of exercises to help relax in stressful situations

Reasons for living - a list of evidence-based reasons to stay alive, themed around the self, family and friends, and hope and belief

Please read more on how you can interrupt someone’s suicidal thought on World Suicide Prevention Day | Campaigns | Samaritans.

World Patient Safety Day is led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness and promote understanding of patient safety issues. The day encourages international collaboration among governments, healthcare professionals, and communities to reduce harm in healthcare settings.

Each year, the campaign focuses on a specific theme such as improving diagnosis, medication safety, or strengthening health systems and fosters partnerships between patients, caregivers, and healthcare leaders to drive meaningful change.

Why it matters to adult social care and safeguarding:
World Patient Safety Day reinforces the importance of safeguarding adults receiving care by promoting safe, transparent, and person-centred practices across health and social care services. It supports efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from avoidable harm and uphold their rights to safe, high-quality care.

Please read more at World Patient Safety Day campaign

World Alzheimer's Month which was originally launched on 21 September 1994, occurs every September and aims to highlight the journey so far in the battle to overcome Alzheimer’s dementia and other forms of dementia. It also challenges the stigma and discrimination around these conditions, while voicings those affected individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers.

Throughout the month, organizations and communities worldwide host events, share educational resources, promote brain health, and advocate for improved care and research. The initiative extends beyond World Alzheimer's Day on September 21st, offering a full month of opportunities.

Why it matters to adult social care and safeguarding:
World Alzheimer’s Month highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults, particularly those living with dementia, by promoting dignity, respect, and person-centred care across all social care settings. Being aware of early signs can also help with early diagnosis and to better manage the condition. Not only this, but it will also help individuals to find the necessary resources and networks for support.

To find out more about how you could get involved please visit World Alzheimer’s Month | Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI).

The International Week of the Deaf promotes inclusion, education of deaf culture, and rights. It highlights the importance of sign language and other tools of communication for deaf individuals. It is crucial to enhance overall awareness of the deaf society and challenge the associated stigma around deaf people. The theme for 2025 is ‘No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights’.

Why it matters to adult social care and safeguarding:

By raising awareness of communication barriers deaf people encounter, it ensures deaf adults are not socially discriminated, isolated or deprived and that the necessary services can protect the individual from potential harm.

To find out more on the daily themes for this year’s Deaf Awareness Week, please visit International Week of Deaf People 2025 - World Federation of the Deaf.

Alcohol Awareness Week is a time to reflect on our drinking habits and how they affect our health, wellbeing, and those around us. This year’s theme, “Alcohol and Work,” highlights the impact alcohol can have in professional settings. Islington Council is supporting the week with resources and services to help residents better understand and manage their relationship with alcohol. Free, confidential support is available through services like Better Lives, and training sessions are offered to raise awareness among those working with adults and young people. This is really important to Adult safeguarding as there is a goal to keep people safe and supported. Please learn more on Alcohol Awareness Week | Alcohol Change UK