NHS Campaigns
Help Us Help You
Official campaign
Help Us Help You Campaign Resources
Purpose
The NHS uses this umbrella campaign to encourage people to:
- Seek medical help earlier
- Recognise symptoms of serious conditions
- Use NHS services appropriately
- Attend screening appointments
- Reduce pressure on emergency services through better service navigation
The campaign includes dedicated strands for:
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- NHS 111
- Primary care services
The campaign promotes earlier diagnosis and treatment, which improves outcomes and reduces avoidable hospital admissions.
Cancer Awareness
Objectives
- Increase awareness of cancer symptoms
- Encourage GP consultations
- Increase screening uptake
- Improve early-stage diagnosis
Target audience
Adults, particularly:
- Over 50s
- People in deprived communities
- Groups with lower screening participation
Main messages
- Don't ignore symptoms
- Get checked early
- Attend screening appointments
Channels used
- TV
- Radio
- Social media
- Outdoor advertising
- GP surgeries
- Pharmacies
Stroke Awareness (Act FAST)
Main symptoms
FAST:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulties
- Time to call 999
Goal
Reduce treatment delays and improve survival rates.
Heart Attack Awareness
Key symptoms
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
Goal
Increase emergency response and reduce mortality.
2. Every Mind Matters
Purpose
A national mental wellbeing campaign designed to help people:
- Manage stress
- Reduce anxiety
- Improve sleep
- Improve mood
- Build resilience
The campaign offers free personalised support and self-help tools.
Main Features
Mind Plan
A personalised wellbeing action plan based on a short questionnaire.
Sleep Programme
Tools to improve sleep habits and sleep quality.
Anxiety Support
Practical coping techniques.
Mental Wellbeing Resources
Articles, videos and exercises.
Target Audiences
- General public
- Young adults
- Parents
- People experiencing stress or anxiety
Success
The campaign became one of the NHS's most recognised mental health initiatives and has generated millions of personalised wellbeing plans.
3. Better Health
Purpose
Encourages people to make healthier lifestyle choices by:
- Losing weight
- Eating healthier
- Becoming more active
- Drinking less alcohol
- Quitting smoking
The campaign aims to reduce preventable disease through behaviour change.
Better Health Adult Obesity
Focus
- Weight loss
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
Resources
- NHS Weight Loss Plan
- Food swaps
- Calorie guidance
Benefits promoted
- Reduced diabetes risk
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced heart disease risk
- Reduced cancer risk
- Better mobility and joint health
Better Health Childhood Obesity
Focus
Helping families:
- Eat healthier
- Move more
- Reduce unhealthy snacking
Resources
- Family meal plans
- Activity ideas
- Healthy recipes
Better Health Smoke Free
Purpose
Help smokers quit.
Provides
- Quit plans
- NHS support
- Smoking cessation tools
Goal
Reduce smoking-related disease and deaths.
Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
Official website
Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
Purpose
Prevent Type 2 diabetes in people identified as high risk.
The programme is delivered through:
- Group sessions
- Online coaching
- Apps
- Telephone support
It focuses on:
- Healthy eating
- Weight management
- Physical activity
Eligibility
Typically for adults with:
- Prediabetes
- Elevated blood glucose levels
- High diabetes risk
Healthcare professionals usually refer participants.
Outcomes
A major evaluation found participation reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by approximately 37%.
NHS 111 Campaign
Official information
Purpose
Encourage people to use NHS 111 when they have:
- Urgent health concerns
- Non-emergency conditions
- Uncertainty about where to seek care
The campaign helps direct patients to:
- Self-care
- Pharmacies
- GPs
- Urgent Treatment Centres
- A&E when necessary
NHS Talking Therapies
Official website
Purpose
Increase access to evidence-based treatment for:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- PTSD
- OCD
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Many services allow self-referral.
We Are The NHS
We Are The NHS Careers
Purpose
National NHS workforce recruitment campaign.
Promotes careers including:
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Allied Health Professions
- Administration
- Healthcare support roles
The campaign addresses workforce shortages and promotes NHS careers to domestic and international applicants.
8. Vaccination Campaigns
Official NHS Vaccinations
Campaign Areas
Flu Vaccination
Targets:
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- Vulnerable groups
COVID-19 Vaccination
Protects high-risk populations.
RSV Vaccination
Protects older adults and infants.
Childhood Immunisations
Protects against serious infectious diseases.
The campaigns use national advertising, GP outreach, pharmacies and digital channels.
Stay Well This Winter
Purpose
Winter preparedness campaign.
Encourages:
- Vaccination uptake
- Medication planning
- Appropriate NHS service use
- Support for vulnerable people
Designed to reduce winter pressures on hospitals.
NHS Primary Care Services Campaign
Purpose
Improve public understanding of:
- GP services
- Community pharmacies
- Dentistry
- Other local NHS services
Key message:
"Choose the most appropriate NHS service for your needs."
This supports demand management across the healthcare system.
Turn To Us, We Are Here
Purpose
Raises awareness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).
Provides information on:
- Medical care
- Forensic examinations
- Emotional support
- Legal support
For victims of sexual assault and abuse.
Keep Antibiotics Working
Purpose
Combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Main messages:
- Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
- Do not save antibiotics for later.
Aims to preserve antibiotic effectiveness for future generations.
NHS Campaign Resource Hubs
NHS England Campaign Partnerships
NHS England Campaign Partnerships
DHSC Campaign Resource Centre
NHS Website
