Diversity, Wellbeing & Environment Calendar

January 2026

Twelfth Night, Fresh Starts, and a Greener January

Many of us work through the Christmas period, but for others, today—Monday 5th January—marks the return to the office. This year, it also happens to be Twelfth Night, a date rich in tradition and history.

Twelfth Night is closely linked to Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Magi (Three Wise Men) to the infant Jesus. Historically, it was considered the grand finale of the Christmas season. Across England and Europe, Twelfth Night was once a major festive occasion featuring:

• Feasting and special cakes, often hiding a bean or coin to crown a “king” or “queen” of the night.
• Role reversal games, where servants and masters swapped roles for fun.
• Wassailing, singing and drinking to ensure a good harvest.

Today, most of us know it as the day when Christmas decorations are packed away for another year.

Looking Ahead: What Will 2026 Hold for You?

New Year’s resolutions aren’t as popular as they once were—perhaps because they often focus on giving things up. So why not flip the idea and make it positive? Instead of restrictions, think achievable goals like:

• Doing one good deed every day in January.
• Cooking from scratch at least three times a week.

Whatever you choose, make it something that adds value to your life and feels rewarding.

January’s Environmental Focus

This month also brings two important sustainability dates:

• Big Energy Saving Week (19–25 January): A UK campaign to help households cut energy bills and reduce carbon footprints.
• International Day of Clean Energy (26 January): A global call to accelerate the transition to clean energy sources.

With temperatures dropping, it’s tempting to turn up the thermostat—but being energy-conscious while staying warm and healthy is more important than ever.

….and finally

For RHG one date stands out even more this month – World Education Day. Youth under 30 constitute more than half of the global population. They are a driving force for
sustainable development, innovation and social transformation, yet they remain disproportionately affected by poverty, inequality and limited access to quality education and decent work opportunities.

Celebrate World Education Day with RHG!
Education is the foundation of progress—and it’s about more than learning facts. It’s about empowering young people to make informed decisions about their own futures.

At RHG, we believe education should open doors to independence, confidence, and opportunity. This World Education Day, let’s champion a world where every young mind has the freedom and knowledge to shape their own path.

Follow us on social media to check out our upcoming blogs covering these subjects in more detail, as well as our new podcast channel ‘Growing Futures with RHG’ where we discuss a range of topics in an informal and bite sized, engaging format.

Happy New Year!

NEW dates have been added to the GROW Academy workshops but spaces are filling up, so be sure to secure your place – Virtual Workshops – RHG (rhgconsult.co.uk)

RHG’s library of online micro-learning courses is rapidly expanding to support your learning journey. Learner Resources:

Finally, here are some more observances to note:

Be sure to follow our social media channels for lots of information about upcoming events, learner success stories and more!