Dare to be Different 2025

Dare to be Different 2025

Autism Acceptance Week rolls around again in 2025 and once again, we're set to mark our Dare to be Different day at the beginning of April.  Autism Acceptance Week starts on Monday 31st March 2025, and World Autism Acceptance Day will be Wednesday 2nd April 2025, which will also be the day of our annual sponsored walk from Romford to dagenham and back. Our #daretobedifferent day will be on Friday 4th April 2025, and we'll be asking everyone in the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge to wear something unusual and donate £1 to Sycamore Trust UK.

Celebrating diversity

The idea behind the Dare to be Different campaign is twofold. Yes, we are hoping to raise some money, so that we can continue to support families and individuals with vital services, but it’s also about raising awareness, not only of the charity, but also of autism in general. Because of the difficulties in fitting in to society that autistic individuals face on a daily basis, we felt that #DARETOBEDIFFERENT was the perfect platform. There’s no right or wrong way; it’s just about acknowledging, embracing and celebrating those differences. That’s why we’re asking people to wear whatever they want. It might be odd socks, pyjamas, or a football kit, but it doesn’t matter because whatever people decide to wear is fine by us. As long as it's different!

What can you do?

We're asking everyone in Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge to wear something unusual on Friday 4th April 2024 (or on any day of your choosing, if that Friday doesn't work for you) and donate £1 to Sycamore Trust.  Whether you are at school, college or work, this could be a fun activity for your classmates, colleagues, family and friends.  But don't let that be the end of your involvement.  How about a sponsored walk, run or cycle ride? Maybe a sweepstake on the Grand National, a bake sale or a good old fashioned quiz night?  If you need materials, we can help!

We'll be revealing more details of what we have planned for the first week of April 2025 shortly and there are going to be plenty of events and activities where people can find out more about what we do, or just drop in and get advice on Autism in general. World Autism Acceptance Week starts on Monday 31st March 2025 and we have lots of stuff going on - keep checking our website or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In or Instagram to find out more.

Would you like to get involved with Dare to be Different 2025? Please fill in your details below and we'll be in touch.