May: A Month of Awareness, Advocacy, and Celebration
May is a time to shine a light on vital issues impacting mental health, family, equality, and physical well-being. From National Child and Youth Mental Health Day to Mental Health Week, we’re reminded of the importance of nurturing emotional resilience and breaking the stigma around mental health. This month also honours the strength of families and celebrates milestones like Mother’s Day and Victoria Day. Meanwhile, days like the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula emphasize the fight for equity and healthcare access. Let’s come together this May to support these critical causes and build stronger, healthier communities.
With a focus on child and youth mental health this month, be sure to read this month’s case study on homelessness in youth.
National Child and Youth Mental Health Day 7th May 2025
Celebrate National Child and Youth Mental Health Day
National Child and Youth Mental Health Day highlights the importance of nurturing mental well-being in young people. It encourages building environments where children and youth can talk openly about their struggles and receive the support they need to thrive.
Links to websites or resources to reshare/ repost:
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Actions:
- Share mental health resources and activities to engage children and youth.
- Host an online or in-person discussion on supporting mental health in young people.
Mental Health Week – May 12, 2025 – May 18, 2025
Ways to celebrate mental health week
Mental Health Week provides a platform for people of all ages to prioritize their mental health. It advocates for a collective approach to reduce stigma, promote self-care, and foster conversations on the importance of emotional and psychological well-being.
Links to websites or resources to reshare/ repost:
Mental Health Week Official Website
Actions:
- Share daily tips and mental health facts on social media.
- Organize a virtual mental health workshop or webinar.
Mother’s Day 11th May 2025
Celebrate Mother’s day with us
Mother’s Day honours the unique contributions of mothers in shaping families and communities. It’s a moment to celebrate their unconditional love, sacrifices, and resilience in nurturing the next generation. Connect also wants to recognize that for some Mother’s Day can also be a difficult day for those grieving a loss, facing estrangement, or longing for motherhood. Let’s approach this day with compassion, honouring all experiences and creating space for reflection and support.
Links to websites or resources to reshare/ repost:
Click here to learn about the history of Mothers day
Here is a list of local activities that help us celebrate all the nurturing women in our lives Mother Day Nova Scotia
Actions:
- Create a social media campaign encouraging followers to share their favourite memories with their moms.
- Highlight local businesses offering Mother’s Day promotions or gifts.
International Day for Families 15th May 2025
Celebrate International Day for Families
International Day for Families reminds us of the vital role families play in shaping individual well-being and societal progress. It celebrates diverse family structures and reinforces the idea of creating stronger communities by supporting families. The theme for 2025 aims to strengthen commitments to poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion as a way to make community-level sustainable change.
Links to websites or resources to reshare/ repost:
United Nations – International Day for Families
Actions:
- Share statistics and stories on the significance of family in different cultures.
- Organize a family-focused community event or workshop.
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 17th May 2025
Promoting International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Observed every year on May 17, IDAHOBIT has become a key moment for increasing awareness about the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide.
The theme for 2025, “The Power of Communities,” highlights the strength and diversity within LGBTQIA+ communities, from grassroots movements to global advocacy. It celebrates the unique and intersecting identities and experiences that shape these communities. This theme also recognizes the resilience and impact of human rights defenders, LGBTQIA+ organizations, allies, and countless individuals who work toward equality and liberation for all.
Links to websites or resources to reshare/ repost:
Egale Canada Human Rights Trust
Actions:
- Share stories and resources supporting LGBTQ+ rights on social media.
- Collaborate with local LGBTQ+ organizations to host an awareness event.
Speech and Hearing Month May 2025
Promote Speech and Hearing Month with us:
Speech and Hearing Month raises awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with communication disorders. It emphasizes early intervention and the importance of regular check-ups to ensure better speech and hearing health throughout life.
Links to websites or resources to reshare/ repost:
Speech-Language & Audiology Canada
Actions:
- Share tips and resources for maintaining hearing health.
- Highlight local services and professionals in speech and audiology.
Vision Health Month May, 2025
Celebrating Vision Health Month
Vision Health Month emphasizes the critical need to preserve and protect our eyesight. It encourages adopting habits that can prevent eye strain and promote healthy vision, along with regular visits to an eye care professional.
Links to websites or resources to reshare/ repost:
Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
Actions:
- Share tips on protecting eye health, including proper screen usage and UV protection.
- Organize a virtual Q&A with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to discuss common vision concerns.