Every June, Childhood Day invites communities across the UK to honour the magic of childhood—and to affirm every child’s right to safety, education, and joy. Far more than a celebration, it’s a national moment of action. From joyful events in playgrounds to school fundraisers, Childhood Day reminds us that together we can protect children and empower their futures.
What is Childhood Day?
Childhood Day is the NSPCC’s flagship national day of action, marking the importance of child protection and celebrating every child’s right to grow up safe, supported and heard. It blends awareness-raising with practical activity – from the Childhood Day Mile to fundraising events and volunteer collections. As a country-wide initiative, it brings communities together to champion childhood in all its forms.
The day connects joyful celebration with serious purpose. By combining play and protection, it invites everyone to play a part in keeping children safe – and inspires conversations about their wellbeing.
When is Childhood Day?
Childhood Day is observed annually on the first Friday in June. In 2026, the date falls on Friday, June 5. Events may begin earlier; some collections start in late May and run through mid-June.
Schools, families, and organisations are encouraged to choose a date that suits them, so that every childhood can be celebrated and protected, wherever they are.
Why Childhood Day Matters
This day matters because childhood lays the foundations for a lifetime. Yet statistics show that around one in five children in the UK experiences abuse or neglect. Childhood Day is a reminder that protection isn’t passive—it requires collective action.
The NSPCC provides vital services like Childline and safeguarding support, but 80% of its income comes from public donations. Childhood Day plays a critical role in funding these services and building community awareness of issues too often hidden.
How to Get Involved in Childhood Day
There are many ways to celebrate and support Childhood Day, making it inclusive for participants of all ages:
- Take part in the Childhood Day Mile: Schools, workplaces, families—or even pets—can “move a mile” in any fun way you choose: walk, dance, read, cycle, or even complete a three-legged race.
- Host a fundraising event: Whether it’s a bake sale, sports match, quiz night or no-tech day, creative activities help raise awareness and bring people together.
- Volunteer for collections: Give just a couple of hours to help collect donations in your local area—community-led, friendly and impactful.
- Create a ParentPay donations page: In partnership with NSPCC, schools can set up free online fundraising to collect secure donations and Gift Aid through ParentPay.
- Donate or fundraise online: Contribute directly to NSPCC or encourage your network to join the movement.
History of Childhood Day
Childhood Day began in 2022 as the NSPCC’s national day of action. Since then, it has rapidly grown, with thousands taking part in the Childhood Day Mile, volunteer collections, school events, and family fundraisers.
A powerful new partnership with ParentPay was launched in May 2026, enabling schools to easily set up Gift Aid-enabled donations pages—making Childhood Day fundraisers smarter and more impactful.
Noteworthy Facts About Childhood Day
- The NSPCC helps services like Childline and the Helpline, which in 2023/24 handled over 75,000 contacts from concerned individuals.
- By 2026, thousands of families, adults, and even pets have taken part in the Childhood Day Mile—as varied as swimming laps, dancing, cycling or reading a mile’s worth of books.
- ParentPay’s new donations page includes Gift Aid, boosting funds by up to 25% to support NSPCC’s child protection work.
- Volunteers collecting donations for a few hours can help fund thousands of Childline calls—£4 supports a call, and volunteers raised enough in 2026 to support at least 7,500 calls.
- The NSPCC’s Together for Childhood programme works locally in communities like Grimsby, Plymouth and Stoke-on-Trent to prevent abuse through awareness, training, and community engagement.
Hashtags
#ChildhoodDay, #TogetherForChildhood, #KeepChildrenSafe
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