What's cooking this month?

So we're all feeling full of chocolate, booze and, probably, regret after a four-day weekend. We all know today's Easter Monday - but why, tho? And what else is going on this month for us to look forward to, for some post-bank-holiday clarity?

5th April: Easter Monday

Taking place after Easter Sunday, which commemorates Jesus's resurrection, according to Christian belief, Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

7th: World Health Day

As COVID-19 has highlighted, some people are able to live healthier lives and have better access to health services than others - entirely due to the conditions in which they are born, grow, live, work and age.

This is not only unfair: it is preventable. That’s why WHO are calling on leaders to ensure that everyone has living and working conditions that are conducive to good health.  At the same time they urge leaders to monitor health inequities, and to ensure that all people are able to access quality health services when and where they need them.

10th: National Siblings Day

A day on which siblings express their appreciation for one another. At Sibs, though, they know what a valuable role siblings play in the lives of their disabled brothers and sisters, how unique their relationship can be and how they need to be recognised and celebrated in their own right too.

11th: World Parkinson’s Day - the Parkinson's community will come together, even while apart, for a special live event on this page.

Celebrate the power of community. Make new connections. Tune in. Reach out.

15th April: Micro-volunteering Day

Recognised every year on April 15th, Micro-volunteering Day promotes awareness of the micro-volunteering concept and how it can enable worthy causes and individuals to better the world via bite-sized actions, with the goal being to encourage more organizations and individuals to get involved.

The easiest way to get involved is to set aside 30 minutes to share an organisations content on social media - a retweet or share can go a long way for that charity's mission! Alternatively, why not research charities that maybe resonate with you in a certain way, and view their volunteering opportunities to apply for.

19th - 30th: The Big Pedal

On each day of this challenge, schools compete to see who can record the greatest number of pupils, staff and parents cycling, walking, scooting or using a wheelchair to school.

Whether schools are open or not, your pupils can participate. Pupils learning remotely can take an active journey from home or complete a physical challenge.

Schools will be entered into a daily prize draw for rewards including equipment and accessories if over 15% of your school community cycle, walk, wheel or scoot on that day of the challenge.

20th - 25th: MS Awareness Week, Me, MySelf and I

Multiple sclerosis (MS) services have been hit hard over the last 12 months, with many missing appointments and waiting lists growing. This year for MSAW it's all about impressing the urgent need to get MS services back on track by highlighting the humans 'behind the statistics'.

The Multiple Sclerosis Trust are looking for people with MS to tell their story of the last 12 months. How have you coped with life in lockdown? What have you found most difficult? Which people have you relied upon?

To take part, fill out the contact form on their website, here.

22nd: Earth Day

This Earth Day, earthday.org are organising three-days of climate action. To kick off their 2021 theme of Restore Our Earth, they will start by supporting local communities, focusing on areas that are disproportionately affected by environmental issues.

Those living on the front lines of these environmental crises don’t always have the resources to deal with the damage. So, how can you make a difference? Participate in a local clean-up! Check out their map here to find a clean-up event near you.

24th: Scream Day

Sometimes, we all need a little scream into the void to release that pent up stress. Apparently, some psychologists believe there's nothing quite so therapeutic as releasing a good old fashioned bellow, causing your brain to relax after letting one out (sounds super scientific and true to me). If you're not familiar with such an exercise, Scream Day is the perfect time to get to know!

Finishing strong on a stress-related necessity - what weird and/or wonderful day are you looking forward to this month?