Literature, Learning & Life Skills - It’s October
It might be the month best associated with Halloween and half term, but there’s a whole lot more to October, if you’re looking for some opportunities to hook in some PR scope.
Here’s our pick.
Black History Month, October 2021
https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
Black History Month aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people not just in the UK, but throughout the world, and to increase education around black history.
With events planned throughout October to celebrate Black History Month, focussing on this year’s theme of “Proud to be”, and significant engagement from the media, there are resource packs, videos and a wide range of ideas available on the website to make sure your organisation is part of the conversation.
National Poetry Day, 7th October 2021
https://nationalpoetryday.co.uk/
National Poetry Day is the annual mass celebration on the first Thursday of October that encourages all to enjoy, discover and share poetry, and this year’s theme is “Choice”. As the day’s website says:
“National Poetry Day generates an explosion of activity nationwide, thousands of amazing events across the UK – on doorsteps and at kitchen tables, in gardens and streets, in schools, libraries and public spaces both online and offline – all celebrating poetry’s power to bring people together.”
Why not nurture the creative powers of your workforce and get involved by using the hashtag #nationalpoetryday?
Or go one better and host your own event, using some of the many free downloadable resources available from the National Poetry Day website.
World Mental Health Day, 12th October 2021
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day
#WorldMentalHealthDay
With this year’s campaign slogan “Mental health care for all – let’s make it a reality” highlighting the fact that mental health care is still sadly not readily accessible to all who need it, events this year will focus on efforts to increase equality in provision.
We know that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health, and some groups have been particularly badly affected.
Whatever the make-up of your organisation, protecting the mental health of your team will be more vital than ever as we emerge from the past 18 months, so don’t miss this opportunity to engage with efforts to promote equal access to high-quality mental health care.
National Work Life Week, 11th – 15th October 2021
https://www.nicswell.co.uk/events/national-work-life-week
Organised by UK charity “Working Families”, this annual campaign aims to get both employers and employees talking about well-being at work and work-life balance. With working patterns and locations having changed dramatically during the pandemic, this year’s campaign could form the perfect opportunity for you to show employees, and potential candidates, how your organisation is striving for a family-friendly and flexible working culture.
Visit the website for free tool kits to arrange activities for your team, and to find details of webinars.
Family Learning Festival, 16th – 31st October 2021
https://www.familylearningfestival.com
The Family Learning Festival is a national celebration to mark and inspire a love of learning in family life. Co-ordinated by the Campaign for Learning – the organisation that aims to build a culture of learning everywhere – the festival plays a key part in celebrating the many benefits that come from lifelong learning, including better health, greater fulfilment and increased connection.
Whatever your organisation, promoting learning is a crucial way to contribute to success, engagement, creativity and community.
Take a look at the festival’s website to access resources, ideas, branding and grant information – everything you need to get involved.