Dare to be Different 2026
Dare to be Different 2026
Autism Acceptance Week rolls around again in 2026 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 30th March 2026, and World Autism Acceptance Day will be Thursday 2nd April 2025. Our fifth Sycamore Trust 'Walk & Talk' will take place on Wednesday 1st April, and our annual #daretobedifferent day will be on Friday 3rd April 2026.
Once again, 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 27th March 2026 (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 or the FIFA World Cup, maybe 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 Autism Acceptance Week 2026 later this year 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. We have lots of stuff planned - 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 2026? Please fill in your details below and we'll be in touch.
School visits
As Autism Acceptance Week approaches, we're often in demand with schools who are planning activity during that week. We could arrange a member of staff to come and meet parents and carers of SEND students and share details of the support that is available locally. We could also arrange for our Autism Ambassadors to address a school assembly with our engaging and interactive presentation, suitable for children of all ages. We've already added some new elements for 2026!
When we open our diary for 2026, we expect it to fill up very quickly with both coffee mornings and school assemblies, so we will only be able to visit those schools that have pledged to support us with a #daretobedifferent activity. If you'd like a visit from us, simply complete the form below.
