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
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
June 11th: Loneliness Awareness Week – Live Session
Loneliness Awareness Week is a campaign created by the Marmalade Trust, a UK charity that helps people who experience loneliness. The campaign's goals are to: Raise awareness of loneliness, empower people to make connections, and create supportive communities. Join us in this live session so we can discuss this topic. So, grab a brew and let’s connect.
June 18th: QA Apprenticeships Neurodiversity Network – Live Session
Join the neurodiversity conversation with your fellow apprentices and QA employees. Summer skill share. In this session, we encourage you to come along with all of the hints and tips that have helped you either in work or in study.
June 25th: An Introduction to Neurodiversity – Live Session
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity.
It will be repeated every month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. It will not be recorded.
Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent.
July
July 16th: QA Apprenticeships Neurodiversity Network – Live Session
Tired or toasted? How do you know when it’s burnout?
This session aims to explore the difference between everyday fatigue and true burnout — helping you spot the early warning signs and take action before it spirals. By understanding what burnout really looks like, we can better protect both our personal well-being and the health of our organisations. It will not be recorded.
July 23rd: An Introduction to Neurodiversity – Live Session
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity.
It will be repeated every month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. It will not be recorded.
Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent.
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
Meet the safeguarding team, news, and useful info on the latest safeguarding issues.
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.
Podcast - The Prevent Pod
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. It will be recorded.
August 20th: QA Apprenticeships Neurodiversity Network – Live Session
Is your workplace an obstacle course?
In this session we will discuss how neurodiversity impacts us in the workplace. We'll explore the barriers neurodivergent employees face and how organisational culture around neurodiversity shapes our experiences. It will not be recorded.
August 27th: An Introduction to Neurodiversity – Live Session
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity.
It will be repeated every month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. It will not be recorded.
Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent.
September
September 10th: Winning in the Workplace: Reasonable Adjustments and You – Live Session
In this session we will explore how reasonable adjustments could accelerate your performance and wellbeing in the workplace. We will also discuss Access to Work, a government initiative that allows disabled/neurodivergent individuals to access funded support in the workplace. Why not invite your line manager along if they’re keen to support you. It will be recorded.
Newsletter - ND&D Nexus
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.
September 24th: An Introduction to Neurodiversity – Live Session
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity.
It will be repeated every month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. It will not be recorded.
Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent.
September 24th: Sick of the Sesh? Go Sober for October! – Live Session
Be a Soberhero and go 31 days without alcohol this October – say no to the booze and yes to saving some money and potentially feeling a whole lot healthier.
In this session, we will discuss drinking culture and the bizarre taboo of being someone who does not drink. It will be recorded.
October
Podcast - The Prevent Pod
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. It will be recorded.
October 1st: ADHD: A Journey to Late Diagnosis – Live Session
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.
Newsletter - ND&D Nexus
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.
October 8th: Dyslexia Awareness Week: Raising the Volume – Live Session
Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024 will take 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. It will be recorded.
October 10th: World Mental Health Day – Live Session
Trigger warning - content may be upsetting to some
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. This year we will discuss the benefits of accessing support in an attempt to remove stigma around counselling and professional services. It will not be recorded.
October 15th: QA Apprenticeships Neurodiversity Network – Live Session
Hormones in Motion: The Neurodivergent Experience
This discussion will explore how hormonal fluctuations – such as those occurring during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause – impact individuals with neurodivergent conditions. We will examine the interplay between hormonal changes and neurodivergent traits, focusing on emotional regulation, sensory processing, and executive function. It will not be recorded.
October 22nd: An Introduction to Neurodiversity – Live Session
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity.
It will be repeated every month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. It will not be recorded.
Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent.
November
November 19th: QA Apprenticeships Neurodiversity Network – Live Session
Mind the message: Verbal and written communication in a neurodiverse world
Join us for a discussion on how verbal and written communication styles affect neurodiverse individuals. We'll explore real-world experiences and practical strategies for making communication more inclusive, flexible, and effective for all minds. It will not be recorded.
November 26th: An Introduction to Neurodiversity – Live Session
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity.
It will be repeated every month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. It will not be recorded.
Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent.
Newsletter - ND&D Nexus
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
Podcast - The Prevent Pod
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. It will be recorded.
December 17th: QA Apprenticeships Neurodiversity Network – Live Session
Who do you think you are?
In this session, we’ll explore how neurodiversity shapes the way we experience the world and express our authentic selves. We’ll look at how our different ways of thinking affect how we present to and connect with others, and succeed in life and work. It will not be recorded.
December 18th: An Introduction to Neurodiversity – Live Session
This session will provide attendees with an introductory overview of neurodiversity.
It will be repeated every month and is designed for those who know very little about neurodiversity. It will not be recorded.
Additionally, you will receive an overview of how we support learners who are disabled or neurodivergent.
2024 Wellbeing calendar
February
Trigger warning - content may be upsetting to some
Fighting the myths and misunderstandings that surround anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
Recent studies show that the ratio of males to females identified as being ADHD or autistic (ASC) is 3:1. We explore why this statistic may be flawed and hear about the experience of a panel of female ND talent from QA.
Challenge societal norms, stereotypes, and misconceptions surrounding these issues while providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and find support
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.
March
As part of our neurodiversity awareness sessions, we explored neurodiversity in the workplace, including Access to Work and reasonable adjustments.
Organized by the World Sleep Society, this event aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It's also a day to raise awareness about gender equality and women's rights.
Trigger warning - content may be upsetting to some
March 1st is annual self-harm awareness day, an opportunity to speak with one voice to raise awareness around what is often a very misunderstood topic.
April
Live session
Productivity expert Ali Abdaal reveals 10 principles and ideas to manage your time more effectively.
The wellness wheel is a holistic tool used to illustrate various dimensions of wellness, emphasising how different aspects of health and well-being are connected.
A guided meditation session with Mindfulness coach Lisa Ellis.
May
June
July
July
Trigger warning - content may be upsetting to some
Increasing awareness of trafficking, including signs of exploitation and victim testimonies.
Tips and advice to help ensure your summer is healthy, enjoyable, and safe.
A guide to domestic abuse issues around the Euro 2024 football tournament.
August
August
September
September
10th September 2024
World Suicide Prevention Day is hosted on 10 September each year by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.
In this session, we discuss drinking culture and the bizarre taboo of being someone who does not drink.
October
October
2nd October 2024
October is ADHD Awareness Month. In this session, some of our QA ND VIPs give you an insight into their journey to an ADHD diagnosis.
10th October 2024
In this session we explore:
- What is World Homeless Day?
- Homeless statistics
- How we can help at a local level.
Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024 took place from 7 – 13 October. This year’s theme is “What’s Your Story?” In this session, we hear from our friends with dyslexia as they explore the challenges and opportunities dyslexia brings.
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. On this day and throughout the month of October, the Mental Health Strategy Team and system-wide partners carry out a series of events and activities focused on this year's theme, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”. In this session, we provide a summary of the discussion from the previously held live event, which covered topics including information sharing, guidance, and the importance of recognising and addressing mental health in the workplace.
11th October 2024
In this session we explore:
- What is National Coming Out Day?
- Its importance
- How it began.
18th October 2024 12:30pm
World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th of October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing. In this session, we explore the link between hormones, menopause and neurodiversity.
November
November
6th November 2024
International Stress Awareness Week 2024 is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about stress, its impact on mental and physical health, and the importance of stress management. This week-long campaign seeks to educate individuals and organizations about stress-related issues and provide resources and strategies for coping with stress in healthy ways. International Stress Awareness Week also encourages open conversations about stress and mental well-being to reduce the stigma surrounding these topics.
13th November 2024
Anti-Bullying Week 2024 is an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness about bullying, its impact on individuals, and the importance of preventing bullying in schools, communities, and online spaces. This week-long initiative brings together schools, organizations, parents, and individuals to promote kindness, empathy, and respect, and to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
British Sign Language (BSL) is the first of preferred language of thousands of Deaf people in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In this session, we learn some BSL basics and gain an insight into a day in the life of a Deaf individual.
December
December
5th December 2024
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It's used by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.