Tourette's Awareness Month 2026 - No Choice

Most people have heard of TS, but many still believe harmful myths – that it’s rare, comedic, or defined by swearing.

In reality:

• Tics can be painful, exhausting, and emotionally draining
• Swearing tics are not a criteria for diagnosis but can, and are extremely difficult to live with
• Daily life often involves managing public reactions rather than the condition itself

Negative responses can lead to embarrassment, anxiety, isolation, discrimination, and exclusion from education, work, and community life.

Awareness alone isn’t enough.
We need empathy in action.

The Message

Throughout Tourette’s Awareness Month, we’ll be sharing bold visuals, videos and powerful statements based on lived experience: 

Each message lands on the same core truth:

Tourette’s is not a choice.
How you respond is.

Choose understanding.

Our Aim

This campaign hopes to:

• Educate the public about the realities of Tourette syndrome
• Challenge everyday stigma and judgement
• Empower people with TS by validating their experiences
• Encourage schools, workplaces, and communities to respond with compassion
• Replace misunderstanding with understanding

How We’re Bringing the Campaign to Life

Become a Tourette’s Awareness Month Partner

Anyone can be a partner – individuals, schools, workplaces, community groups, or organisations. Support can be big or small. What matters is taking part. SIGN UP HERE

Share the Campaign

• Watch and share our #NoChoice campaign visuals and videos - COMING VERY SOON!
• Like, comment, and repost on our social channels to help the message travel further

Display the Posters

• Put up posters in workplaces, schools, leisure venues, and community spaces - COMING VERY SOON
• Use them digitally on screens, billboards, websites, and social media

Education Settings

• Hold an awareness lesson using Tourettes Action’s ready‑made lesson plans: You can download the KS1 lesson plan here, the KS2 lesson plan here and the KS3 / 4 lesson plan here
• Start conversations early about difference, inclusion, and kindness

Wear It Green / Awareness Days

• Host a Green Day to spark discussion and show solidarity. Sign up here
• Encourage participation with a small donation and shared learning

Turn It Green

• On 7 June – Tourette’s Awareness Day, help us light the UK green
• Contact local landmarks, buildings, and bridges to show their support. Find out more here

Our Call to Action

We are asking everyone to:

• Pause before judging
• Respond with kindness
• Include rather than exclude
• Listen to lived experience
• Choose understanding

Because while Tourette syndrome is not a choice,
empathy always is.