May is another important month for inclusion, awareness and cultural reflection. With a focus on mental health, accessibility, and celebrating religious and LGBTQ+ communities, here’s your guide to key dates to look out for – plus some helpful resources to learn more…
Tourette’s Awareness Month
May 15th – June 15th
This month raises awareness of Tourette Syndrome, aiming to challenge stereotypes and encourage greater understanding. According to Tourette’s Action: ‘Whilst the majority of people have heard of Tourette Syndrome, many do not really understand what it entails, most thinking that it is comedic and rare and that shouting out obscenities is a criteria for diagnosis – all of which are untrue. We believe this is due to the lack of understanding. It is still one of the least known neurodiverse conditions. The media often portrays TS as the swearing condition and the true realities of what it’s like to live with TS are rarely shown. With more education in schools, workplaces and general advertising, we hope to eradicate many of the misconceptions around TS.’ The theme of this year’s Tourette’s Awareness Month is #TourettesHurts.
LINK: https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/178-tourettes-awareness-month-2024.html
Deaf Awareness Week
May 5th – 11th
This week highlights the challenges faced by the Deaf community and promotes inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities. It’s a chance to spotlight sign language, hearing loss, and ways to break down communication barriers.
LINK: https://bda.org.uk/deaf-awareness-week/
Mental Health Awareness Week
May 12th – 18th
Run by the Mental Health Foundation, this week is a UK-wide campaign to get people talking about mental health and the support we all need. The 2025 theme is ‘Communities’, with the Mental Health Foundation explaining: ‘We want to use this Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of community. Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.’
LINK: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week
Visakha Bucha Day (Buddhism)
May 11th
Visakha Bucha, also known internationally as Vesak, is one of the holiest days in Buddhism. It marks three major events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and death. According to Buddhist scripture, these three events are said to have occurred on the same day of different years. Like many religious holidays, Visakha Bucha Day falls according to the traditional lunar calendar, so the date changes each year.
LINK: https://www.thailandnow.in.th/event/visakha-bucha-day/
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)
May 15th
Accessibility is becoming an increasingly important focus for communities and companies – including in games, with US trade body ESA recently launching an important initiative [LINK – https://www.theesa.com/entertainment-software-association-introduces-the-accessible-games-initiative-to-provide-players-with-information-about-accessibility-features-in-video-games/. Global Accessibility Awareness Day each year shines a spotlight on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. It’s a reminder to design with everyone in mind – whether it’s games, websites, apps, or workspaces.
LINK: https://accessibility.day/
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT)
May 17th
IDAHOBIT marks the day the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990. It’s a powerful call to action for LGBTQ+ rights and against discrimination worldwide. The theme for 2025 is ‘The Power of Communities’, which ‘highlights the strength and resilience that emerges from our collective solidarity, recognising the contributions of human rights defenders, LGBTQIA+ civil society groups, allies, and millions of people in our communities who support human rights and collective liberation.’
LINK: https://may17.org/
Dementia Action Week
May 19th – 25th
Led by the Alzheimer’s Society, this week encourages people to take action to improve the lives of those affected by dementia. Whether that’s learning the signs, supporting carers, or challenging stigma – every action counts. In particular, the event highlights the importance of an early diagnosis.
LINK: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week
We hope this calendar helps you plan meaningful events and conversations in your workplace. Whether it’s raising awareness, showing solidarity, or simply learning something new – every step helps build a more inclusive environment.
