Purple Day is a global awareness day dedicated to epilepsy. It takes place every year on 26 March and gives workplaces a simple, positive way to show support for people affected by the condition.
Purple Day is about awareness, empathy and creating a culture where people feel understood and included. Even small actions at work can help stop the fear of seizures and make a real difference to children, young people and families across the UK.
This guide shares practical tips to help your workplace mark Purple Day in a meaningful and respectful way.
What Purple Day is and why it matters at work
In the UK, nearly every hour another child or young person is diagnosed with epilepsy. Seizures can be frightening and unpredictable, and many children grow up feeling isolated, anxious or misunderstood.
Workplaces have an important role to play in changing this. When teams talk openly about epilepsy, they help challenge stigma and build understanding. For colleagues who have epilepsy themselves, or who support a child or family member, this awareness can be incredibly powerful.
Top tips for taking part in Purple Day
You do not need a big budget or a large event to take part in Purple Day. The most effective activities are often the simplest.
Here are some easy, workplace‑friendly ideas:
Wear purple on 26 March and invite colleagues to take part if they wish. Some teams also choose to donate a small amount on the day.
Share epilepsy awareness information through internal newsletters, intranet pages or Teams channels. Short, clear messages work best.
Host a purple‑themed activity, such as a bake sale, quiz, coffee morning or lunch break fundraiser.
Support a challenge or appeal, such as the 26 miles in 26 days Challenge or the Purple Day Appeal. These options work well for teams who enjoy a shared goal.
Display posters or digital assets in communal areas to help keep the message visible throughout the day.
Small, visible actions show support and help normalise conversations about epilepsy and disability in the workplace.
Tips for making Purple Day inclusive and respectful
Epilepsy affects everyone differently. Some colleagues may have lived experience, while others may be supporting a child, partner or friend. Keeping activities inclusive is essential.
Helpful tips include:
Make all activities optional, with no pressure to take part.
Use clear, sensitive language and avoid assumptions about people’s experiences.
Do not ask individuals to share personal stories unless they choose to.
Focus on learning and awareness, rather than medical detail or stereotypes.
Share trusted resources so colleagues can learn more in their own time.
Respect and choice help ensure Purple Day feels supportive rather than overwhelming.
Using Purple Day to start wider conversations
Purple Day does not have to be a one‑off moment. Many workplaces use it as a starting point for broader conversations about health, wellbeing and inclusion.
This might include reviewing workplace support policies, signposting employee assistance programmes, or encouraging managers to feel more confident talking about health and disability. Even small steps can help create long‑term cultural change.
By linking Purple Day to ongoing wellbeing work, organisations show that inclusion is not limited to a single date.
Join #TeamPossible this Purple Day
Each year, individuals, schools, community groups and businesses come together as #TeamPossible to support Young Epilepsy.
By taking part in Purple Day at work, sharing awareness and fundraising if you can, you are helping to stop the fear of seizures and support children and young people across the UK.
Together, we can create more understanding workplaces — and a future where no child lives in fear of their own body.
