Your wellbeing calendar
Our safeguarding team provide a series of live sessions, webinars, and guides in a variety of wellbeing and diversity areas to help you on your apprenticeship journey. Find out more about these resources in the calendar below.
January
Dry January is a chance to hit the reset button and focus on your wellbeing. Taking a break from alcohol even for just one month can help you feel more energised, improve your concentration, and save money. It’s a great way to support your mental health while balancing work, study, and life.
January 15th - 12:30-14:00
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity. It will be repeated every second month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent. (Please note: this session will not be recorded)
January 30th - 12:30-13:00
Safeguarding at QA: Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. We offer confidential support for concerns such as mental health, bullying, harassment, online safety, or anything that makes you feel unsafe. To refer, email safeguarding@qa.com, speak to your tutor or coach, or use the QA Safeguarding referral form. Join us in a short live session to learn more about how we support you and how to make a referral. (Please note this session will not be recorded)
Stay informed and supported! This month we share wellbeing tips, highlight regional safeguarding updates, and provide guidance on the Prevent Duty. Plus, updates around all things safeguarding and how British Values shape our communities – don’t miss our Under 18’s page for key information.
The festive season often brings joy but it can also leave behind financial stress. January is a time when many feel the pinch from holiday spending, and the pressure can impact mental health.
Why this matters: Post-Christmas debt and rising costs can lead to anxiety and low mood. Financial wellbeing is about more than money, it’s about feeling secure and in control.
Parent Mental Health Day is observed every year on January 30th. It was founded by the UK-based charity stem4 in 2022 to raise awareness of the vital link between parents’ and carers’ mental health and the wellbeing of the whole family. This year’s theme is “Balance”.
Neurodiversity & Disability Nexus – or ND&D Nexus – is set to bring you a regular selection of news, updates, support, resources, links, and inspiration to you! Designed for QA Apprentices, ND&D’s goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.
February
Trigger Warning: This section discusses sexual abuse and sexual violence, which some viewers may find distressing. Please take care while reading and seek support if needed.
This annual national campaign raises awareness about sexual abuse and sexual violence, encourages open conversations, and promotes prevention.
February 10th
Join us for a pre-recorded session with Jamie as we explore practical tips and strategies to stay safe online. From protecting your personal information to recognising digital risks, this session will empower you to make informed choices and create a safer digital experience. watch anytime and take control of your online safety!
February 18th - 12:30-13:45
In this session, we will discuss how being neurodivergent affects friendships, romantic relationships, and family dynamics. Explore boundaries, communication differences, and the importance of supportive relationships. (Please note this session will not be recorded)
February 27th - 12:30 - 13:30
Join us for an open and informative session exploring the vital link between nutrition and mental health, and raising awareness about eating disorders. Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a time to challenge stigma, share knowledge, and promote understanding of these complex conditions that affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Please note this session will not be recorded.
Neurodiversity & Disability Nexus – or ND&D Nexus – is set to bring you a regular selection of news, updates, support, resources, links, and inspiration to you! Designed for QA Apprentices, ND&D’s goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.
February 23rd - 12:30-13:00
Safeguarding at QA: Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. We offer confidential support for concerns such as mental health, bullying, harassment, online safety, or anything that makes you feel unsafe. To refer, email safeguarding@qa.com, speak to your tutor or coach, or use the QA Safeguarding referral form. Join us in a short live session to learn more about how we support you and how to make a referral. (Please note this session will not be recorded)
News and views on the latest safeguarding issues.
March
March 13th - 12:30-13:30
Struggling with stress or poor sleep? You’re not alone! This interactive session will explore practical strategies to improve your sleep quality and manage stress effectively. Learn tips, discover the science behind healthy sleep, and take away tools you can use every day. Please note this session will not be recorded.
March 19th - 12:30-14:00
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity. It will be repeated every second month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent. (Please note: this session will not be recorded)
March 27th - 12:30 - 13:00
Safeguarding at QA: Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. We offer confidential support for concerns such as mental health, bullying, harassment, online safety, or anything that makes you feel unsafe. To refer, email safeguarding@qa.com, speak to your tutor or coach, or use the QA Safeguarding referral form. Join us in a short live session to learn more about how we support you and how to make a referral. Please note this session will not be recorded.
April
April 22nd - 12:30-13:45
In this session, we’ll open the floor to discuss how neurodiverse individuals are portrayed across film, television, and digital platforms. Together, we’ll explore common stereotypes, share examples of authentic storytelling, and reflect on the impact media narratives have on public perception and inclusion.
May
May 21st - 12:30-14:00
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity. It will be repeated every second month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent. (Please note: this session will not be recorded)
June
June 17th - 12:30-13:45
In this session, we will discuss the unique problem-solving, pattern recognition, and creative thinking strengths that ND people bring to teams and communities. (Please note this session will not be recorded)
2025 Wellbeing calendar
January
January 11th: National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Trigger Warning: Some may find this content disturbing
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on January 11th to shine a light on the global issue of human trafficking. It’s a day to raise awareness about the prevalence of modern-day slavery, advocate for the rights of survivors, and work towards eradicating human trafficking in all its forms.
January 27th: Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day takes place every year on 27th January, and marks the liberation day of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.
In the years since, this date has become internationally recognised as the day we remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions of other innocents killed under the Nazi regime. We also take time to remember the lives lost in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
You can find out more information on the Holocaust Memorial Day website
February
Time to talk day, is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. In this session, you will hear our Safeguarding Team talk through what mental health means for them and the support we offer to apprentices.
In this session, we will launch our QA Apprenticeships Neurodiversity Network. We provide an overview of our vision and introduce you to the QA employees who will help facilitate your neurodiversity network.
March
Join the neurodiversity conversation with your fellow apprentices and QA employees. Neurodiversity is my superpower! In this session, we will explore whether that statement is helpful.
Debt and general money worries can cause significant stress. Debt Awareness Week is an initiative developed by charity StepChange. This year’s Debt Awareness Week will focus on what is stopping people from accessing debt support, despite the demands of the cost-of-living crisis.
Find out more about Step Change
April
April 9th: Stress Awareness Month – Webinar
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.
April 16th: QA Apprenticeships Neurodiversity Network – Live Session
Join the neurodiversity conversation with your fellow apprentices and QA employees. Labels are for jars, not for people. In this session, we will discuss how important receiving a formal label of neurodiversity, or not, impacted us.
Jaspreet Kaur Hothi, QA’s Prevent Lead, will be discussing all things Prevent in this monthly podcast. Prevent is a key part of the Government's strategy to stop people becoming or supporting terrorism and extremism, in all its forms.
May
Mental Health Awareness Week and Breaking the Stigma
May 21st: QA Apprenticeships Neurodiversity Network – Live Session
Join the neurodiversity conversation with your fellow apprentices and QA employees. Are you a masking ninja? In this session, we will explore our ND masks, the pros, and the cons and how the behaviour of others affects our behaviour.
June
Jaspreet Kaur Hothi, QA’s Prevent Lead, discusses all things Prevent in this monthly podcast. Prevent is a key part of the Government's strategy to stop people becoming or supporting terrorism and extremism, in all its forms.
Neurodiversity & Disability Nexus – or ND&D Nexus – is set to bring you a regular selection of news, updates, support, resources, links, and inspiration to you! Designed for QA Apprentices, ND&D’s goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.
July
In this session, you will receive an introduction to memory and metacognition before exploring how you can leverage both to enhance your working/learning experience. It will be recorded.
Neurodiversity & Disability Nexus – or ND&D Nexus – brings you a regular selection of news, updates, support, resources, links, and inspiration to you! Designed for QA Apprentices, ND&D’s goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.
Meet the safeguarding team, news, and useful info on the latest safeguarding issues.
August
Jaspreet Kaur Hothi, QA’s Prevent Lead, will be discussing all things Prevent in this monthly podcast. Prevent is a key part of the Government's strategy to stop people becoming or supporting terrorism and extremism, in all its forms.
In this session, you will be introduced to executive function (EF) and the difficulties that compromised EF can bring. A common challenge for neurodivergent individuals, we also explore strategies that can be used in an attempt to 'hack' the challenges many experience.
Meet the safeguarding team, news, and useful info on the latest safeguarding issues.
Neurodiversity & Disability Nexus – or ND&D Nexus – brings you a regular selection of news, updates, support, resources, links, and inspiration to you! Designed for QA Apprentices, ND&D’s goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.
September
Neurodiversity & Disability Nexus – or ND&D Nexus – brings you a regular selection of news, updates, support, resources, links, and inspiration to you! Designed for QA Apprentices, ND&D’s goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.
Meet the safeguarding team, news, and useful info on the latest safeguarding issues.
October
Jaspreet Kaur Hothi, QA’s Prevent Lead, will be discussing all things Prevent in this monthly podcast. Prevent is a key part of the Government's strategy to stop people becoming or supporting terrorism and extremism, in all its forms.
October is ADHD Awareness Month.
In this session, some of our QA ND VIPs will give you an insight into their journey to an ADHD diagnosis. Our speakers will discuss how their challenges were overlooked and often minimised. It will be recorded.
Dyslexia Awareness Week 2025 takes place from 6 – 12 October. This year’s theme is “Raising the Volume?” In this session, we will discuss the new Dyslexia definition and the fact that Dyslexia is not difficulties with reading and writing.
Neurodiversity & Disability Nexus – or ND&D Nexus – brings you a regular selection of news, updates, support, resources, links, and inspiration to you! Designed for QA Apprentices, ND&D’s goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.
November
Men's Mental Health Month
Poor mental health can affect people of all genders, but outcomes for those who identify as men – including trans men – and those who are perceived or expected to behave in traditionally ‘masculine’ ways are often shaped by distinct social pressures and stigma. Here we will focus on the mental health challenges commonly experienced by men, whilst recognising the diversity of men’s experiences.
Neurodiversity & Disability Nexus – or ND&D Nexus – is set to bring you a regular selection of news, updates, support, resources, links, and inspiration to you! Designed for QA Apprentices, ND&D’s goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.
December
Monday 1 December is #WorldAIDSDay – a global campaign by the National AIDS Trust which has been recognised every year since 1988.
Every 1st December communities come together to support and secure the rights of those living with HIV, remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illness, and continue the fight to end the stigma surrounding HIV.
Jaspreet Kaur Hothi, QA’s Prevent Lead, will be discussing all things Prevent in this monthly podcast. Prevent is a key part of the Government's strategy to stop people becoming or supporting terrorism and extremism, in all its forms.
News and views on the latest safeguarding issues.
Neurodiversity & Disability Nexus – or ND&D Nexus – is set to bring you a regular selection of news, updates, support, resources, links, and inspiration to you! Designed for QA Apprentices, ND&D’s goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected.