Date published: September 16, 2025

Sepsis Awareness Month 2025

September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and Saturday 13th September marked World Sepsis Day – a global day of awareness and fundraising.

Sepsis, the body’s extreme immune response to infection, claims 11 million lives worldwide each year. In the UK, five people die from sepsis every hour – more than the combined annual deaths from breast, prostate, and bowel cancer.

The good news? Sepsis is treatable if caught early. Recognising the signs saves lives. Key symptoms to watch out for include:

Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Not passing urine for 24 hours
Severe breathlessness
Feeling like you’re going to die
Mottled or discoloured skin

Sepsis can be hard to spot. That’s why awareness matters. Simply asking “could it be sepsis?” and seeking urgent medical help can make the difference.

A new digital tool

HealthHero, in collaboration with the UK Sepsis Trust, has developed a first-of-its-kind digital tool that helps the public assess sepsis risk. No clinical knowledge is needed – users answer simple questions, and the tool provides clear next steps.

Designed to be inclusive, the tool recognises that symptoms like rashes can look different on different skin tones. For instance, a meningitis rash may appear red on lighter skin but brown or purple on darker skin. The tool adjusts its guidance accordingly.

The tool is accessible via the UK Sepsis Trust website. It asks users to enter basic details like their name or age, then asks about symptoms. Based on a users’ answers, the tool gives tailored advice:

If your risk is high, it tells you to seek urgent medical attention immediately.
If your risk is moderate, it advises you to speak to a doctor or call 111 — and gives a summary of what to say, including key symptoms like breathing problems or dehydration.
If your risk is low, it explains what to watch for and when to reassess.

Why Shared Lives plays a vital role

People who can’t easily communicate are at greater risk because they may not be able to say when something feels wrong. That’s why Shared Lives carers and scheme workers need to know the signs of sepsis.

Shared Lives Plus recently partnered with the Sepsis Trust to deliver #SepsisSavvy training to our members. The online session, led by Melissa from the Sepsis Trust, was a huge success. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with members valuing the chance to ask questions and share personal experiences.

Marie’s story

We’re also resharing the powerful story of Marie, a Shared Lives Support Officer who survived sepsis after a kidney infection and multiple organ failure. Now volunteering with the Sepsis Trust, Marie raises awareness and supports others in the Shared Lives community.