The theme is what we are asking supporters to talk about on and around World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March 2026.
This year we are calling on everyone around the world to stand
Together Against Loneliness
#TogetherAgainstLoneliness
Why do we need to talk about loneliness?
Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But for many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience.
Their families can feel lonely too, and feel cut off from support.
Loneliness can feel like different things:
– Not having a group of friends or a community to belong to.
– Not having a close, special person to share your feelings with.
Loneliness is a serious problem.
Loneliness is not just a sad feeling. It is bad for our health and happiness. It can make people feel anxious or depressed. It can also harm physical health.
A study found that loneliness can be as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Loneliness is not a choice.
Loneliness happens when people are not supported to build and maintain connections with other people.
Sometimes, people with Down syndrome can be in the same room as others but still feel lonely.
Being present is not the same as being included.
People can feel lonely even when surrounded by others if they are not truly connected.
Loneliness is also caused by stigma and discrimination.
Loneliness happens when people are left out of schools, workplaces, and community life.
But we know the answer…
The answer is real inclusion!
It’s about having good friendships and relationships. It’s the feeling of being valued and knowing you belong. This is a problem we can solve, and ‘Together Against Loneliness’ is our call to action. We want to talk about the problem of loneliness and how we help people feel connected and
that they belong.
What Everyone Needs to Feel Connected and Belong
To stop loneliness, every person needs:
Real inclusion
To be truly included in schools, jobs, and community life. Not just “being there,” but taking part.
Welcoming Spaces
To feel welcome and valued, to be invited to join in, and to be safe from stigma.
Meaningful Relationships
To have strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and partners.
Loneliness is a human rights issue
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is about being connected to other people and belonging.
Fighting for these rights is a key way we stand ‘Together Against Loneliness’.
Living in the community
Getting married, having relationships and being part of a family
Going to an inclusive school
Having an inclusive job
Taking part in cultural life, sport, and play
How We Can All Help
We all have a responsibility to take action against loneliness together:
Everyone
Be the person who creates a welcoming space. Invite someone to join a conversation, a game, or a group. And challenge exclusion when you see it.
Self-Advocates
Your voices are the most important. Share your opinions on what you need to feel connected and belong.
Families
Talk to your son or daughter about their feelings. Support them to speak up for themselves. And connect with other families to build a strong community and advocate for better services.
Organisations
Create opportunities for connection, like events and groups. Lead advocacy campaigns and give self-advocates and families a platform to speak up.
Communities, Schools & Employers
Run inclusive clubs, sports, and groups that help people make connections. Actively change your policies to remove the barriers that stop people from joining in.
Governments & Leaders
We demand that you turn the CRPD from words into action. Create policies and provide funding to end segregation, stop discrimination, and build a truly inclusive society.
Together we can make a difference.
Let’s stand ‘Together Against Loneliness’
Join us! Sign up to hear from the World Down Syndrome Day team about how you can get involved.
You will also receive our FREE digital WDSD resources.
Together we will create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.
