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February is a busy month for health awareness campaigns, so there is plenty for the pharmacy team to choose from! From mental health topics to heart health and cancer awareness, February is home to crucial campaigns, each of which would greatly benefit from being promoted in community pharmacy.
From the heart
February is Heart Month. This annual British Heart Foundation (BHF) campaign aims to raise as much awareness and as many funds as possible and through walking challenges, individual fundraisers and teaching people the vital skill of CPR. “Every three minutes, someone in the UK dies from cardiovascular disease. Whether it’s losing a loved one to cardiac arrest or coping with the devastating impact of heart failure, far too many of us have felt the pain that cardiovascular diseases cause,” says the BHF. “This Heart Month, support BHF and help bring us closer to the next breakthrough. Whatever you do to raise money, together we can power research that supports people to live longer, healthier lives.”
Pharmacy teams can sign up for the BHF’s Walk for Hearts fundraiser or encourage customers to do so. More information, helpful resources and signposting can be found at: bhf.org.uk.
Beating eating disorders
Eating Disorders Awareness Week will take place in the final week of the month, from 26 February to 1 March. This year, the theme announced by organiser Beat Eating Disorders is “Community”. “Eating disorders can be isolating, making people feel alone, whether someone has an eating disorder themselves or whether they are supporting someone,” says Beat. “We’re celebrating the power of community and the vital role family, friends and other support networks play in helping someone feel supported, understood and never alone on their journey, from seeking help, undergoing treatment and beyond.” The organisation will be highlighting the different types of community that exist to provide support for those with an eating disorder, as well as support for family, friends and colleagues of someone with an eating disorder – including online platforms.
Beat is encouraging people to share their stories to raise awareness, help others learn more about eating disorders to decrease stigma and make it easier for people to reach out for help or spot the signs in someone else. It also aims to raise funds for its mission to support those affected by eating disorders. More information can be found at: bit.ly/3Yzf8YR.
It’s time to talk
On 4 February, pharmacy teams can advocate for another important health awareness campaign: Time to Talk Day. This event seeks to encourage everyone to talk about mental health. Whether it’s someone who is dealing with a mental health problem, a teacher in a classroom, an employer or a friend, the day is here to give everyone an opportunity to discuss their experiences, listen to others and learn more about mental wellbeing. The Time to Talk website (time-to-change.org.uk) offers information on how to start a conversation about mental health, how to have good conversations about mental health, and testimonials that show the life-changing impact even small chats can have. Resources like posters, signposting leaflets and social media assets can all be found on the platform. These can be used in pharmacies and on online to create an environment where customers feel safe and supported to seek mental health advice. If you do display these assets, remember that it’s important for all members of the pharmacy team to read up about how to help, if a customer does approach them for advice.
One day for cancer
February 4 is also World Cancer Day. In 2026, the campaign continues with its three-year theme of “United by Unique”. This drives home the message that every cancer diagnosis is deeply personal, and behind it is a unique human story of “grief, pain, healing resilience, love and more”, say the organisers. “That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs with compassion and empathy leads to the best health outcomes.”
The campaign aims to change the way people see a cancer diagnosis – as a long-term condition that affects physical health but also mental, social and economic wellbeing. “Traditional cancer care often focuses only on biology and symptoms, overlooking key social and environmental factors like income, support systems and living conditions, which play a crucial role in how people experience and recover from cancer,” says the campaign’s mission statement. “There’s a growing need for more holistic, compassionate care.”
As always, pharmacy team members can remind customers about free cancer checks and screenings that should be kept up regularly. You can also re-familiarise yourself with red flags for cancer so that you can help any potential diagnoses be made early. For World Cancer Day specifically, you can combine these activities with group learning, displaying posters in the pharmacy or starting a fundraiser. Every bit counts.
In Campaigns