Nationwide call to challenge assumptions and encourage understanding for over 300,000 people in the UK living with Tourette syndrome
From 15 May to 15 June, Tourettes Action, the UK’s leading Tourette syndrome charity, is calling on the public to rethink how they respond to Tourette’s. This year’s powerful awareness campaign, #NoChoice, highlights a simple but crucial truth: Tourette’s is not a choice. How people respond is.
Despite affecting an estimated 1 in 100 school-aged children, Tourette syndrome remains widely misunderstood. People living with Tourette syndrome often face judgment, isolation, and stigma because of involuntary tics. The #NoChoice campaign aims to challenge these misconceptions and shift public attitudes from assumption to understanding, encouraging the general public to learn more.
The #NoChoice Campaign Tourettes Action consulted with the Tourette’s community to understand what affected them most in their every day life. The message was simple – they felt misunderstood and judged by society, which then led them to feel isolated and very often alone.
At the heart of this year’s campaign is a striking series of films (video) , posters and digital content (campaign details) featuring people with Tourette syndrome in everyday situations where they are often misunderstood.
The visuals confront common public reactions head-on, with bold messaging such as: “I don’t choose to make faces, I don’t choose to say mean things,I don’t choose to have this condition”
Each message is paired with a call to action:
“Please choose not to make assumptions.”
“Please choose to reply with kindness.”
“Please choose not to help me fit in.”
Together, the campaign powerfully reframes the narrative. It places responsibility not on the person with Tourette’s, but on how others respond. A central campaign film brings these experiences to life, showing the everyday realities faced by people with TS and encouraging viewers to reflect on their reactions, assumptions and behaviours.
Why This Matters
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary tics, yet it is still
frequently misunderstood as behavioural or intentional. These misconceptions can lead to:
- Social isolation
- Bullying or discrimination
- Anxiety in public spaces
- Barriers in education and employment
The #NoChoice campaign aims to raise awareness of these realities and empower the public to
respond with compassion rather than assumption.
How to Get Involved
Tourettes Action is inviting individuals, schools, workplaces and communities to support
Tourette’s Awareness Month 2026 by: - Watching and sharing the campaign film
- Using the hashtag #NoChoice on social media
- Downloading and displaying campaign posters
- Starting conversations about Tourette syndrome
- Challenging stigma when they see it
Every reaction matters. Every choice counts.
Learn More
Visit their website for further information
Watch the campaign film and access resources to support awareness throughout the month.
