Find out about the National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism

The nation will come together to honour and remember victims and survivors of terrorism on Friday 21 August. The day will focus on remembering and recognising those impacted by terrorism, encouraging victims and survivors to access specialist support, educating the public, and amplifying victims’ and survivors’ stories.

Find out about the National Day

Why the National Day was introduced

The government has introduced a new National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism following long-standing campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition of their lived experiences.

This follows a public consultation on proposals for a national day which identified strong public support. The consultation allowed victims and survivors to have direct input on the design of the National Day including its date and purpose.

The UK’s National Day will take place on 21 August each year. The date has been chosen following the consultation as it aligns with the UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

More about the National Day

Every year we will remember, recognise and honour those affected by terrorism, encouraging victims, survivors and bereaved family members to observe the day in a way that is meaningful to them.

The National Day will also focus raising awareness about specialist support for victims and survivors, educating the public about the history and impacts of terrorism, and amplifying victims’ and survivors’ stories. 

The government will continue to work with victims and survivors to shape the format of the National Day for future years, including designing a dedicated symbol for the day.

This forms part of the government’s broader commitment to ensuring victims, survivors and bereaved families from terrorism are appropriately recognised, remembered and supported.

Get involved with the National Day

This may be individually, in your homes, with loved ones, at a place of reflection, or together in your local communities.

There are lots of ways to mark the National Day, depending on how you would like to remember and reflect.

Here are ideas for activities that people and groups have used for commemoration:

1. Light a candle in remembrance of all those who have been affected by terrorism.
2. Take a moment of silent reflection to think about all those who have been impacted.
3. Visit a local memorial, place of reflection or community remembrance display and leave a ribbon, flower or message.
4. Donate to a charity that supports victims, survivors and bereaved families affected by terrorism.
5. Write down memories, stories or reflections and share these with others, if you feel comfortable.
6. Create a small remembrance display at home, school or work with poems, photos and messages.
7. Plant a tree, flower or bulb as a symbol of hope and resilience.
8. Take time to learn about the experiences and stories of victims and survivors of terrorism.
9. Plan a gathering within your own community to reflect and encourage unity.
10. Post a message on social media to share a message of support using our social media toolkit.

Get more resources

The government has produced a factsheet for workplaces, schools, places of worship and community groups to use and a social media toolkit for individuals and organisations to share a message of support on social media.