Self Harm Awareness Day 2026 – Sunday 1st March
Self Harm Awareness Day (SHAD) is observed annually on 1st March to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote help-seeking around self harm. Across the UK and around the world, it’s an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to unite in support of those affected. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and help spread the message.
Harmless is excited to announce that the theme for Self Harm Awareness Day 2026 is Connection Is Coping: Finding Support Together. This theme highlights the importance of reaching out as a powerful step toward healing. When we feel overwhelmed, it’s connection – not isolation – that can help us manage distress.
The theme offers a powerful message of hope. Reaching out and connecting with others is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can be a vital step in coping. Encouraging those in distress to seek out safe communities, whether online or offline, or to talk to someone they trust, can be empowering. The theme also calls on others to be the connection someone might need – to check in with friends, family or colleagues. Sometimes, a small conversation can make a big difference.
SHAD 2026 offers an opportunity to shine a light on these issues and more. Harmless will host a series of events around the day and provide a media pack closer to the time, including suggested social media content, factsheets and signposting materials to help raise awareness of the support available.
If you or your organisation would like to be involved in Self Harm Awareness Day 2026, please complete the form below. We’ll keep you updated with the latest SHAD news and send you all the resources in advance of the day.
We hope you’ll join us.
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