What's on #COAWeek2026

What’s on #COAWeek2026

What’s on during #COAWeek2026?

Nacoa is leading International #COAWeek2026 (8 – 14 February 2026), the annual awareness campaign casting a light on the 1 in 5 children across the UK who are struggling with a parent who drinks too much.

This year’s events include:

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COA Week Live: Young people’s panel

Thursday 12 February, 12.30pm, Nacoa’s Instagram

Nacoa is hosting a live Instagram panel for COA Week 2026 on Thursday 12 February from 12:30–1:30pm, featuring young people sharing their experiences.

The discussion explores the theme “next generation” and what it means to grow up affected by a parent’s drinking. We invite viewers to join us live, listen, learn, and find out more about support and ways to get involved.

Nacoa Stafford Ward Memorial Lecture 2026

5pm – 7pm, Weds 11 February – House of Commons, London

Nacoa’s Stafford Ward Lecture brings together influential speakers, including politicians, campaigners and people with lived experience, to share powerful perspectives on growing up affected by a parent’s drinking.

Each year’s event highlights voices such as Rt Hon Jonathan Ashworth, Tony Adams, Maleena Pone and Lord Richard Walker, who speak about change, awareness and support.

We use the lecture to spotlight these stories and insights, helping drive national conversation and action for children of alcoholics.

Nacoa launches ‘Sam’s Story’ for Children of Alcoholics Week

Tues 10 February – Online

The launch of Sam’s Story, a powerful new animated short film for COA Week 2026, created with Synima to reflect the hidden fear and uncertainty many children experience growing up with a parent’s drinking.

Inspired by what we hear on the helpline, the film highlights the isolation young people can feel while reminding them that support and hope are available.

Through this campaign, we aim to raise awareness, encourage understanding, and help children and families know they are not alone.

Geordie Challenger to RunTheMetro (73.5 miles) in one day for Nacoa

Sunday 8 February – Newcastle and Sunderland

Nacoa UK is supporting a Geordie fundraiser, Paul, as he takes on an incredible 73.5-mile challenge to run the full length of the Tyne-Wear Metro system in under 24 hours to raise awareness and funds.

Inspired by his own experience growing up with a parent’s drinking, he uses these physical challenges to highlight the strength and resilience of children of alcoholics.

Through sharing his story and supporting his RunTheMetro effort, we aim to encourage hope, connection and vital support for others who may be facing similar experiences.

Glimpses of You being launched on streaming channels

Glimpses of You is launching on Spotify and other major music platforms during COA Week, using music to help share the emotional reality of growing up with a parent’s drinking.

The release aims to reach new audiences, spark reflection, and help people feel seen and understood through the power of storytelling. By sharing the song widely, we hope to raise awareness and connect more children and families with support.

COA Week Special: COA Lives with Jonathan Ashworth, featuring Camilla Tominey

We’re releasing a special COA Lives episode for COA Week, hosted by Jonathan Ashworth and featuring Nacoa patron Camilla Tominey. A true trailblazer of the COA movement.

What are you doing for #COAWeek2026?

We would love to hear your plans are for this year’s children of alcoholics week?

As we enter the 16^th year of COA week, Nacoa invite media agencies, businesses, charities and the general public to get involved so we can continue to reach the 2.6 million children in the UK living with a parent who drinks too much.

We would love to feature your work on COAWeek.org.uk. Contact us via the website or email admin@nacoa.org.uk.