Care Outlook Community

Staying Safe in Hot Weather and Heatwaves

How to look after your service users in hot weather

- Keep blinds down and windows closed when its cooler inside than out
- Advise people to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm)
- A cool bath or shower, or a damp cloth or a splash of water at the back of the neck can be better at cooling a person down than a fan
- Support people to drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated. But avoid alcohol as it can dehydrate
- Encourage people to keep eating even if they are not feeling too hungry. Encourage them to eat food that's cold and has a lot of water in it, like fruit or salad
- Support people to make appropriate clothing choices of lightweight and light coloured fabrics and a sunhat and sun cream

How to look after you when you are working in hot weather

- Stay hydrated, try to drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you
- Wear a sunhat and sun cream if you are outside
- Try to stay in the shade as often as possible when travelling outside
- UV Levels can still be harmful when its cloudy out, so be careful even when not sunny
- Drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or eat cold and water rich food like ice lollys
- A damp cloth or a splash of water on the back of your neck can be better at cooling you down than a fan
- If you are driving in the community try to park in shady spots to keep your car interior cool

National High Blood Pressure Education Month

High blood pressure, hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease. This month emphasises the importance of regular blood pressure checks, lifestyle changes and preventive measures to control hypertension.

On the NHS website it says that high blood pressure is very common, especially in older adults. There are usually no symptoms and you may not know you have it.
Ageing increases your blood pressure, but having close relatives with high blood pressure can increase your risk. Ethnicity can increase your risk of high blood pressure if you have a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic background.
Being overweight, or having an unhealthy diet, smoking, drinking too much alcohol or feeling stressed over a long period.
Get your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy or GP surgery if you think you might have high blood pressure or at risk if you are 40 or over and not had your blood pressure checked for more than five years.

For more information go to

National Salad Month

This month is dedicated to promoting healthy eating through salads and getting creative with fresh vegetables and greens.
The Association for Dressing and Sauces first established National Salad Month in 1992. This was to encourage people to have healthier eating habits and incorporate more salads into their daily diets.

The entire month of May highlights the nutritional benefits of salads, including vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants and emphasises the versatility of leafy greens and vegetables.
The purpose of this month is to get people to try new salad recipes and ingredients. It is an opportunity for nutritionists, health professionals, schools and community organisations to educate people about balanced diets and the role of salads in maintaining good health.
The ways to celebrate are to have a daily salad challenge, a different salad to explore new flavours and textures. Have a salad evening were everyone brings their own variation of a salad. Why not learn new salad making techniques and recipes.
For more information go to

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is the month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting your skin and recognising early warning signs of skin cancer.
There are three main types of skin cancer. The first is basal cell carcinoma (BCCs) then Squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) and melanoma. BCCs and SCCs are different from melanoma. They are called non-melanoma skin cancers and are more common than melanoma.

Most skin cancers are caused by skin damage that happens from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunbeds. (Macmillan Cancer Support) It does not matter what type of skin you have, everyone can get skin cancer.
One important thing is to protect your skin which you can do by being safe in the sun. Use at least an ASPF 30 with 5 UVA. This is recommended by Macmillan Cancer Support. Reapply suncream every two hours or more after swimming or exercise. Use enough sun cream, it is recommended at least 6-8 teaspoons of lotion per area. Apply on clean and dry skin and 20-30 minutes before going into the sun. Use a hat and wear long sleeves. Wear UV blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes. Do not use a sunbed or sunlamp, if you need a tan use a fan tan lotion or spray.
Look for the symptoms of skin cancer such as a new or changing mole, or a lump on the skin, or a patch of scaly, crusty or rough skin. Sores or scabs should heal quickly but if it persists for more than 3 weeks see your GP. Look out for changes under the nails or on the palms or soles.
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Global Love Day

This day encourages everyone to stop and think about Love. It is a time to celebrate love. An invitation to reflect on what brings us together, regardless of borders or backgrounds.
It is a day to look at kindness, compassion, and connection that runs through humanity.

This day encourages individuals, families, organisations, and communities to practice and promote love.
Conflict and division are constantly in the headlines so Global Love Day is needed know more than ever. Global Love Day says let’s make a difference let loved be an alternative. By focusing on love, we are reminded that empathy, acceptance, and unity can be forces for good.

This annual event was founded by The Love Foundation which invites people to reflect on and practice unconditional love, regardless of their background or relationship status. It encourages acts of kindness, compassion, and connection, promoting unity and understanding among all individuals.
You can get involved in this day by sending a thoughtful message or calling someone that you care about. Volunteer for a local cause or support a neighbour in need. Set up a community meal, discussion or workshop looking at connection. Look at how you can bring more compassion into your daily life.

National Superhero Day

National Superhero Day takes place on April 28th celebrating both fictional heroes of comic books, film, and real-life heroes.
In 1995 employees of Marvel Comics asked children what superpowers they wished they had. The children admired fictional superheroes but also real-life heroes such as parents, teaches, and first responders.

This day is to recognise the courage, selflessness, and positive impact of heroes. So, as well as Iron Man, Wonder Woman and Captain America, the day celebrates firefighters, police officers, medical professionals, teachers and volunteers.
National Superhero Day emphasises that heroism is about making a positive difference, not just having superpowers. (Days of The Year).

There are several ways to celebrate this day. You could dress up as your favourite superhero. Have a superhero themed party or a superhero movie marathon. Encourage children to draw superheroes or discuss what makes a superhero.
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London Marathon 2026

Get your running shoes on! It’s the 46th edition of the London Marathon on Sunday 26th April 2026, its expected to be the largest yet with 59,000 runners anticipated at the start line!

The traditional 26.2-mile course starts at Greenwich/Blackheath and finishes at The Mall. There are so many key landmarks to look out for, the Cutty Sark (mile 6), Tower Bridge (mile 12), Canary Wharf and Big Ben.

The official starters for this year will be the Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah and rugby star Ellie Kildunne. The coverage starts on BBC 1 and BBC iPlayer at 8.30am.

There are so many charities that benefit from this amazing event, so if you are participating, we would like to wish you all good luck! Enjoy this amazing event!

For more information

Earth Day

Earth Day 2026 is observed on Tuesday April 22nd. It emphasises the role of individual and community action in protecting the environment.
The theme for this day is “Our Power, Our Planet”. This idea is that environmental progress is not just dependent on any single government or election but sustained by the daily actions of communities, educators, workers, and families who protect their local environments and resources.

On the Earth Day website it urges people to take part in Earth Day events such as community clean-ups, teach-ins, tree planting, voter registration, town hall meetings, and community organisation.
They urge people to attend an Earth Day event such as sharing climate facts on social media, support renewable energy initiatives, go pesticide free, plan a teach-in and read about climate solutions. Earth Day website says there are 50 ways to take action.
The central message of Earth Day is that every person has the power to create meaningful change. Collective action is essential for clean air, safe water, and climate resilience.
For more information go to

World Haemophilia Day

World Haemophilia Day is on April 17th 2026. The theme for this year is “Diagnosis; First Step to Care”. It emphasises the importance of diagnosis in the first step in treatment and care.
The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) estimates over three quarters of the population with haemophilia worldwide are undiagnosed.

The NHS website says that Haemophilia is a rare condition that affects the way your blood clots, meaning you bleed more easily than other people. It cannot usually be cured, but treatment can help control the symptoms. The symptoms include bleeding for a long time after injury, surgery, or tooth removal. Bruising easily, joint pain, stiffness and swelling are also symptoms. It is caused by a lack of a protein called clotting factor that helps blood clot. Most people are born with it or can develop haemophilia later in life but this is rare.

This day also is to raise awareness of other inherited bleeding disorders, including von Willebrand disease, rare clotting factor deficiencies, and inherited platelet disorders.
This day is to raise awareness about bleeding disorders and the importance of early diagnosis , to educate the public and healthcare professionals, to support affected individuals and families. To share stories and experiences.

For more information go to .

Defeat Diabetes Month

This campaign is held every April and is an initiative of Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF). It is aimed at educating people about diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes.
The campaign is to highlight the preventable nature of type 2 diabetes cases. Lifestyle changes such as a balanced nutritional diet, regular physical activity and mindful living can help to prevent some cases of diabetes.

The goal of this month is to “empower individuals and families with knowledge and tools to prevent diabetes”.
The guidance is to eat fresh unprocessed foods, do at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity and helping with good habits that a person can continue to support long term health.
The DDF organises events such as “Get Out and Play Day” to encourage families to participate in sports games and fitness activities while learning about healthy living.
You can get involved by hosting diabetes friendly meals with low-sugar and nutrient-rich foods. Set up daily step or fitness goals. Ask your health provider for a free diabetic screening. Share personal stories or education to raise awareness. Get your children to take part in sports and wellness programs to encourage healthy habits.

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