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Let's quit together
Stoptober is the Department of Health & Social Care’s annual mass participation campaign to encourage and support people to quit smoking. The campaign is based on evidence that if people can quit for 28 days, they’re five times more likely to quit for good. However, according to data published in July by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH):
- 11 per cent of GB adults aged 18+ smoke
- 10 per cent of adults in Great Britain aged 18+ vape
- Among adults who vape, 60 per cent used to smoke but have now given up, although 32 per cent are still smoking.
This year, Stoptober will follow the theme of ‘Let’s Quit Smoking Together’, with content and resource formats informed by feedback from last year’s event. Everything from in-store posters to social media animations are available to download now. Click here to find out more.
Exploring chronic pain at midlife
World Menopause Day happens each year on 18 October, having been established by the International Menopause Society in 2009 to raise awareness of the menopause and improve the lives of women. “Despite many medical advances and a massive increase in public awareness in recent years, there’s still lots more to be done,” says the Society.
This year’s theme is ‘Chronic Pain At Midlife’. “Chronic pain affects a significant proportion of women during and after the menopause transition, yet it remains underestimated in both research and care,” the Society explains. “Through our annual White Paper for healthcare professionals, alongside accessible resources for women and anyone interested in midlife health, the 2026 campaign brings together trusted information and practical guidance to support better recognition and care worldwide.”
Click here to access World Menopause Day resources, including webinars and podcasts.
Help change the future
“October is the most important month of our year,” says Breast Cancer Now. From the 1st until the 31st, it’s when the charity runs its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This global campaign raises the profile of breast cancer, promotes earlier diagnosis, raises funds for better treatments, and supports people affected by the disease. For the past 20 years, a key element of the campaign has been ‘Wear it pink’ day, which takes place on Friday October 23rd. “Wear pink. Share pink. Dye your hair pink. Show you care pink,” says the charity. “However you do it, join Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink this October and help us change the future of breast cancer.”
You can also get involved by:
- Hosting a breast awareness activity
- Raising funds with a raffle, bucket collection, sponsored walk or head shave
- Sharing signs and symptoms resources.
To find out more, click here.
Talking is good
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. For 2026, the theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is ‘Lived experiences heard: Real voices, real change’.
“Talking is good for your mental health. And talking about mental health is important. But starting a conversation isn’t always easy,” says the Mental Health Foundation.
The charity is offering a raft of resources that pharmacies can use, not just to support World Mental Health Day but at any time. “Download our posters and social media graphics and share them to help spread the word,” says the charity. “Check out our free tip sheets for advice on doomscrolling, managing feelings of overwhelm and more. We’ve got copies in English and Welsh and they’re free to download and share.”
To find out more, click here.
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In Campaigns