Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall wellbeing, influencing how individuals think, feel, communicate, cope with stress, and engage with others in everyday life. In workplace, social, and family settings, people often participate in group interactions that may appear positive, engaged, and emotionally settled. However, outward expressions such as smiling, laughing, or active participation do not always accurately reflect a person’s internal emotional state. Some individuals may be experiencing psychological distress, anxiety, low mood, or other emotional difficulties that are not immediately visible to those around them. This is particularly important to recognise during July, which marks Talk to Us Month, a campaign led by Samaritans to encourage open conversations about mental health. Samaritans Awareness Day takes place on 24 July 2026, highlighting the importance of listening, emotional support, and being available for those who may be struggling.
A colorful poster promoting Talk to Us Month and Samaritans Awareness Day in July 2026.
Mental health awareness is therefore essential in encouraging a more compassionate, informed, and supportive environment. Recognising that distress may not always be visible can help reduce stigma and promote open, respectful conversations about emotional wellbeing. It also encourages individuals, families, colleagues, and communities to respond with empathy rather than judgement. By fostering awareness, understanding, and early access to appropriate support, individuals are more likely to feel safe seeking help when they are experiencing mental health challenges.
Talk to Us Month 2026
1–31 July 2026 | Start the conversation. Listen with care. Support one another.
Talk to Us Month is led by Samaritans and encourages people to speak openly about mental health, reduce stigma, and recognise the importance of emotional support.
Key Dates to Remember
Awareness Activity
Date
Why It Matters
Talk to Us Month
1–31 July 2026
Encourages open conversations about mental health.
Samaritans Awareness Day
24 July 2026
Symbolises support being available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Awareness Week
24–30 July 2026
Highlights listening, compassion, and community support.
How You Can Take Part
Talk: Start open, respectful conversations about mental health.
Share: Post Samaritans resources and helpline information using #TalkToUs.
Connect: Attend or host community events, webinars, or awareness sessions.
Support: Learn the signs of emotional distress and how to help someone safely.
Support Is Available 24/7
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123, free and available 24/7 Email: jo@samaritans.org
As Talk to Us Month reminds us, meaningful support often begins with a simple conversation. By listening without judgement, checking in on those around us, and sharing trusted sources of help, we can all play a part in creating safer, more compassionate communities. Whether someone is struggling silently or simply needs to feel heard, taking the time to talk, listen, and support one another can make a significant difference.
Getting a diagnosis of cancer at any time can feel overwhelming and isolating. The type of disease, the treatment ahead, and the prognosis all shape how a person processes the news and copes with what comes next. When hairdresser Denise in the BBC soap EastEnders was told she had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), she immediately struggled to absorb the reality of it. She had quietly sought medical advice for persistent exhaustion, keeping her concerns from her family, and even left a joyful wedding celebration to attend the appointment. Sitting alone in the consultation room, she heard the doctor explain that she had blood cancer. She outlined the realities of living with AML, the significant challenges of the diagnosis, and the rarity and aggressive nature of the disease. As the words settled, Denise was left trying to make sense of a life‑changing moment that no one around her even knew was happening.
The Realities of living with AML
Heading back to her family and friends. None of whom knew where she had been or what the appointment had revealed. She travelled home on the bus in a state of quiet disorientation. The conversation with the clinician replayed in fragments, each phrase surfacing and fading as her mind tried to process the information. Everyday sounds and movements around her felt distant, almost muted, as if she were observing the world from behind glass. The journey became a space where shock, uncertainty, and the first attempts at understanding coexisted. Many people who have received unexpected or life‑altering news will recognise this moment: the return to normal surroundings while carrying something profoundly new and difficult to articulate.
What is AML?
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood cells. On hearing those words for the first time can feel deeply unsettling. In AML, the body begins to produce abnormal blood cells that don’t behave as they should, disrupting the balance the body relies on to stay well. Because it develops quickly, treatment usually needs to begin soon after diagnosis, leaving little time for individuals to process what is happening.
Although AML can occur at any age, it remains a rare condition. Around 3,100 people in the UK are diagnosed each year, with the highest number of cases seen in older people. For many, the rarity of the disease adds another layer of uncertainty. It is not something most people expect to face or know much about. Coming to terms with the diagnosis often involves navigating both the medical realities and the emotional weight of suddenly stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Symptoms of AML
🩶 Pale or “washed‑out” skin
😓 Persistent tiredness
🌬️ Breathlessness during normal activities
⚖️ Unintentional weight loss
🦠 Frequent or recurring infections
🌡️ High temperature or episodes of feeling hot, cold or shivery
😰 Night sweats
🩸 Unusual or frequent bleeding (gums or nosebleeds)
💜 Easily bruised skin
🔴 Flat red or purple spots on the skin (petechiae)
🦴 Bone or joint pain
🍽️ A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the tummy
🧬 Swollen glands in the neck, armpit or groin (may be tender)
Getting a diagnosis of AML
First,
🩺 GP physical examination Initial assessment when physical signs or symptoms appear.
then go on to get
🧪 Blood tests Full blood count and specialist blood markers to identify abnormal cells.
🦴 Bone marrow biopsy A sample taken from the hip bone to confirm AML and assess cell types.
🧬 Genetic testing Identifies specific gene mutations that guide treatment decisions.
📸 Chest X‑ray Checks for infection or complications affecting the lungs.
and finally
💉 Lumbar puncture Used in selected cases to check if leukaemia cells have entered the central nervous system.
Treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is usually delivered in two main stages. Each with a clear purpose and a very different emotional and physical experience for the person going through it.
🧪 Induction therapy This is the first and most intensive stage of treatment. The aim is to destroy as many leukaemia cells as possible in both the blood and bone marrow. As well as managing any symptoms caused by the disease. It can feel overwhelming, as treatment often begins quickly after diagnosis. However, it is a crucial step in bringing the leukaemia under control.
🧬 Consolidation therapy Once induction has reduced the number of leukaemia cells, the second therapy starts. Consolidation aims to prevent the cancer from returning. This stage focuses on eliminating any remaining cells that cannot be seen on tests but could cause relapse in the future. It is a vital part of achieving long‑term remission.
Coming to terms with an AML diagnosis is never straightforward. The treatments are demanding, the uncertainty is heavy, and life can feel profoundly altered for the person affected and everyone close to them. The reality of navigating such a life‑changing condition is harsh and often overwhelming. By bringing this storyline to screen, the BBC helps raise awareness and shines a light on the significant challenges people face when confronted with a diagnosis like this. Challenges that are too often hidden from view, highlighting the realities of living with AML.
Inferior Outcomes
In EastEnders, Denise’s experience carries an added layer of fear and uncertainty because she is a woman of colour. Research has shown that Black patients with AML often have poorer survival outcomes than White patients. A reality that many people are unaware of until they are faced with it themselves. At her appointment, Denise voiced the question that so many Black patients quietly carry: does the colour of my skin make a difference to how I will fare?
It was a moment filled with deep vulnerability. Not only because of the diagnosis itself, but because Denise was confronting the painful reality that health inequalities still exist. For many people of colour, a cancer diagnosis carries an added weight: the knowledge that outcomes are not always equal, and that lived experience and systemic disparities can shape fears in ways others may never have to consider. By allowing this conversation to unfold on screen, the BBC brings an important truth into the open and that for some communities, illness is not just a medical journey but an emotional one shaped by history, inequality, and the need to be heard. Acknowledging this openly helps shine a light on an issue that deserves far greater understanding and attention.
A paper showing inferior outcomes can be read in ScienceDirect
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects 1 in 4 people globally. There are currently no medications available for this untreatable condition. Following a research study, this could change. At the Scottish University, Professor Lora Heisler and Dr Fiona Murray along with a team of international scientists leading the study. Groundbreaking research at Aberdeen University makes a breakthrough in treating liver disease. The research from this study can in turn result in medication being available to treat this condition.
This is a great step forward since the advanced stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease often leads to cirrhosis of the liver. And finally the only option is a liver transplant. This important breakthrough in research at Aberdeen University emphasises a prospective drug target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This research at Aberdeen University makes a breakthrough in treating liver disease. Their research aims to identify novel targets that can aid in the diagnosis and management of metabolic disorders and associated conditions. Such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
400,000 Individuals were Researched
From UK Biobank more than 400,000 individuals were researched in the study. Researchers’ findings are that certain variations in the GPR75 gene are associated with being slim and having a reduced risk of developing hepatic steatosis.
In addition, the study reveals that when GPR75 is eliminated in mice. It prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver after consuming a Western diet.
To finish the end of this month I have designed an infographic for Ovarian Cancer. It doesn’t tell everything, but at least it has some information on it and it may provoke a few thoughts and most importantly get the message out there that March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
It’s the the end of March… do you know it is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month?
Whether you did, or you do now, please pass it on.
As the daffodils sway in the wind, dancing together with their beautiful bright heads on strong green stems bring together your thoughts of women’s health and for this month of March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian Cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women. In the UK there are approximately 21 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed every day. Despite survival rates increasing only 35.3% women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive their disease for ten years or more. Further research and early diagnosis would help improve this survival rate. Early Diagnosis helps with survival rates, many women unfortunately do not know the symptoms, help them help themselves let them know March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Photo by makefuneoflife.net
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Most Common:
Persistent Bloating
Feeling Full
Needing to wee often
Stomach Pain
Other Symptoms:
Unintentional weight loss
Tiredness
Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding
Back pain
Indigegstion
Changes in bowel habit
Pain during sex
Early diagnosis is imortant
Please seek medical advice if you have any of these symptoms or are worried. Speak to your GP. Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is a game changer. When a person is diagnosed with stage 1, they generally have a 90% chance of surviving five years or more. However if they ignore the symptoms and the cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage the survival rate is reduced to a staggering 4%. Quite often cancers have spread due to being overlooked or misdiagnosed, when they have metastasised, the cancer becomes more difficult to treat and treatment options become more limited, thus survival rates drastically lower. Hence early diagnosis is important giving the opportunity of providing the best possible care and improving cancer outcomes.
If you are going to read and share one thing this month, please let it be this. Let others know this Mother’s Day Month of March it is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
If you would like to read further you can read at:
At last there is heartening news published in JAMA Neurology on Monday 22 January 2024 regarding the early diagnosis of this incurable disease Alzheimer’s. The research was led by Nicholas Ashton, PhD, a professor of neurochemistry at The University of Gothenburg in Sweden. The study found that the blood test was up to 96% accurate in identifying elevated levels of beta-amyloid (another hallmark of Alzheimer’s) and up to 97% accurate in identifying tau.
“This project – which is thanks to £5m in funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery – will gather the information needed to introduce a blood test for dementia into UK healthcare systems. This blood test would be a crucial step in speeding up how quickly and how early we are able to diagnose dementia”
Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society
The current protocol for diagnosing Alzheimer’s is a PET Scan and lumbar puncture to detect signs of progression of the disease. Whilst both procedures are not life threatening they can be slightly invasive, take time and come at a cost in man power, machinery and monetary terms to the NHS.
Since Ashton’s study showed that the protein phosphorylated tau (p-tau2) is clearly accurate this could mean there will soon be a key biomarker blood test for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Offering an affordable and hopefully easier way to diagnose the disease.
This physical illness damages a person’s brain. Through time the Alzheimer’s disease causes dementia. As the disease progresses the person affected will rely on more support until one day becoming Almost totally dependent on others.
“This is an excellent study and brings us very close to a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease that can be used in daily practice.”
Prof Bart De Strooper, Professor of Alzheimer’s Disease research at UCL
One thing we all have in common is the muscle sitting in the middle of the chest about the size of a fist that beats whilst pumping blood around our body. Delivering oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, helping other organs and muscles function well. It really is a marvellous muscular organ however unfortunately not everyone is born with healthy hearts; congenital heart disease (CHD) affects one in 125 births. Every 3 minutes a person dies in the UK either from a circulatory or a heart condition. Raising awareness and funding for lifesaving research will help improve and save lives. You can help, be bold, wear red on 2nd February 2024.
Support can save lives
February is heart awareness month. Wearing red the first Friday in February will help others take notice. Wear red to work, school, clubs, etc. Have a red themed day/night – just some fun, bake some cakes, a quiz, etc. You can even look online and learn CPR for free on your phone or tablet.
Cardiovascular Disease
Congenital heart disease
Heart attack and angina – coronary heart disease
Inherited heart conditions
Stroke
Vascular dementia
Diabetes
Risk factors
Obesity and generally being overweight
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Poorly managed diabetes
Alcohol – drinking too much
Everyday many people live with life threatening heart conditions through no fault of their own. Facing lifelong physical, emotional and practical challenges of living with congenital heart disease. Your body is precious, including the heart that beats around 100,000 times a day.
For some people on receiving their diagnosis of motor neurons disease (MND), they are already showing symptoms of a rare condition that will eventually end their life. With a chance of 1 in 300 in getting MND and affects around 5000 adults in the UK at any one time. This life limiting condition with progressive symptoms has no cure. Receiving a diagnosis of motor neurones disease – devastatingly incurable. Those words echo in the consultation room, life as once was for many so quickly changes. Many people with MND have complex needs, varying depending on the person. The condition reduces life expectancy with only 10% of people with MND living 10 years or more. After receiving a diagnosis life expectancy of MND is one to five years. Unfortunately, one third of people diagnosed with the condition only live for a year and more than half die within 2 years of being told they have motor neurones disease. Getting a diagnosis and living with motor neurones disease – devastatingly incurable.
MND is the name given to a group of illnesses which affect nerves called motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. They help tell muscles what to do.
If a person has MND, their movement is affected.
Signs and Symptoms
Spontaneous twitching
Fatigue
Muscle cramps
Speech and swallowing difficulties
Weight loss
Shortness of breath
Living with this debilitating condition weakens the muscles and eventually paralysis. Scientists, neurologists are doing everything in their power to develop clinical trials to research the disease. Hoping to make life easier for people with MND and the ultimate aim to find a cure.
In June 2023 the UK Government announced to continue funding for research for motor neurone disease, pledging £50 million to be used throughout the UK.
An international clinical trial led by professor Dame Pamela J Shaw has been shown to slow down progression of a type of motor neurone disease.
This could be a turning point for patient care
Scientists carrying out research at University College London have shown hundreds of proteins and molecules are found in the wrong place in nerve cells affected by MND.
Living with MND is a real game changer. Research into this devastating disease is needed to find the cure that is desperately needed. The hard work that has already gone into research could not be done without the dedication, awareness and money from all who have done so so far. Although there is no cure focussing on helping manage a better daily life for those affected is a goal. From research scientists are gaining an understanding has improved why MND surfaces in neurones and brain tissues.
Hopeful new treatments
University College London – discovered a biomarker; diagnostic test for ALS in early stage clinical trials
UK DRI Edinburgh – Dr Bhuvaneish Selvaraj and Professor Siddharthan Chandran discovered discovered that dysfunctional axons that connect nerve cells to muscles have a role in MND. They were able to show how they could restore function to the axon by boosting a cell’s mitochondrial or natural energy supply. The team hopes these findings will pave the way for new therapies that boost mitochondrial function.
Raising awareness
The work of the scientists is groundbreaking and a must. Awareness is the key to many factors. It helps those affected with the condition in knowing they have support as well as if there is literature out there that people can access, those affected feel they perhaps do not need to repeat the chat over and over again. Stephen Hawking the scientist was diagnosed with MND; he lived for an amazing 55 years with the common type amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Fellow Scot, Scottish rugby union player, sadly passed away now, was diagnosed with MND; set up charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Diagnosed with MND Rob Burrows, former England rugby league player who does so much still to raise awareness. There are so many people affected with MND that raise awareness; whether, you are running a marathon, holding a cake sale, walking the dog, raffling off a bottle of whisky, or a sponsored silence. It all contributes.
The UK is a world class leader in cancer research, since 2001 all the hard work given by all at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) has played a very large part in this. Numerous Clinical Trials and research have taken place and helped save the lives of those affected by cancer. The news of the charity winding down has came as a shock to many; patients and health professionals included. There will be many memories and stories to tell as the news hits of the Cancer Research Institute closure after 22 Years.
The charity grew over its 22-year lifespan, linked up with many partners including Blood Cancer UK,Breast Cancer Now, Prostate Cancer UK,Pancreatic Cancer UK, plus many more. Fabulous work has taken place including trials, research, specialist cancer groups, and networks. All for the greater good of those affected by cancer; working together scientists, researchers, patients, and funders to improve coordination of cancer research throughout the UK and beyond. Improving the lives of millions of people around the world.
Almost 400 000 new cancer cases are diagnosed every year in the UK. Understanding the way to treat the cancer for the best possible outcome is the goal. The NCRI was a partnership providing an area where researchers and those affected by cancer (patients, carers, etc) where they could discuss ideas, talk about research and trials and most importantly improve and save lives.
Prof Lawrence Young, Professor of Molecular Oncology, University of Warwick, said: “This is shocking news that will significantly impact cancer research and the development of new treatments in the UK. This is yet another blow to the UK research community and to the position of the UK as a world leader in cancer research”.
NCRI at its best
The abrupt closure of the NCRI will be a huge void in cancer research. The charity well and truly made its mark, bringing the whole cancer research community together covering the whole UK and beyond. Working to improve the overall quality of life of anyone affected by cancer. Understand the cancers, develop the treatments, lessen the symptoms! For some prostate and breast cancers NCRI came into its own with trials, involving radiotherapy combination treatments resulting in treatment reduction from weeks to days.
There were so many trials and research projects that have helped and will still go on to help so many people. A study showing Children with kidney cancers continue to be diagnosed with larger and more advanced tumours in the UK and Ireland than in other Western European countries, according to research presented at the NCRI Festival
A study by Dr Jonathan Wadsley, a consultant clinical oncologist let us know Patients with low-risk thyroid cancer can receive lower doses of radiation treatment. Thyroid cancer is relatively rare with a diagnosis of 3500 people per year in the UK, there were 434 patients in the trial. Contributing to a good study.
Professor Robert Huddart, Professor of Urological Cancer at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Chair of the NCRI radiotherapy working group (formerly known as CTRad), was saddened to hear the upsetting news. He said:
“The UK has developed the reputation for the delivery of high quality, innovative academic trials that has changed practice and improved the outlook and lives of millions of people around the world. In radiotherapy examples include trials that have introduced advanced technology reducing side effects and improving outcomes, changed prostate and breast treatments from five weeks or more to a few days.”
Professor Nick James, Professor of Prostate and Bladder Cancer Research at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, commented: “This news is astonishing. It could be devastating for people with cancer in this country.”
As a charity partner, Deputy Director of Research Blood Cancer UK, Sarah McDonald comments on the need for the need for clinical trials. Stating they are the route for those living with blood cancer to access treatment.
Sarah commented “It’s sad this long-standing multi-partner collaboration will be winding down. The partnership has had success, helping thousands of people get access to new potentially life-saving treatments” “NCRI has played an important role at Blood Cancer UK. We’re deeply committed to continue collaborating with researchers, patients, charities, and government to ensure the hard work of the NCRI isn’t lost.”
The NCRI have made this decision after much thought and debate. The uncertain economic and research environment has had an impact on the charity; After consulting with stakeholders, it was questionable that NCRI would be able to survive in the long term. Therefore, proving a risk of operational failure. Hence the decision to close.
Fiona Driscoll NCRI Chair stated: “It is with a mix of pride and regret that we write to inform you that, after 22 remarkable years, the NCRI will be winding down. This decision has not been taken lightly and has huge impact on the NCRI staff. We are grateful for their continued support, hard work, and professionalism at such a challenging time.”
This is dark day, especially for anyone affected by cancer. A massive blow for research and clinical trials. Remembering the extremely hard work that has taken place, passing on information is vital so the wonderful work of the NCRI is carried on.
