World Childless Week: Bringing unseen experiences into focus

This World Childless Week, Red Nose is helping shine a light on the experiences of people who are childless not by choice, and the importance of listening, learning and making space for stories that can too often go unseen.

Founded by Stephanie Joy Phillips, the initiative began as a Facebook support group in 2016 and became a global awareness week in 2017. In 2026, the community marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of creating connection, raising awareness and giving people a platform to share their experiences.

Why World Childless Week matters to Red Nose

Being childless not by choice can be part of the lived experience of people supported by Red Nose, as well as people within our own community. It may arise through pregnancy or baby loss, infertility, medical circumstances or other life experiences.

These experiences, and the language people use to describe them, are deeply personal. Some people may identify as parents, while others may not. By listening and learning, we can better recognise grief that might otherwise go unseen, reduce stigma and help create a more inclusive and understanding community.

How we can help change the narrative

Start with awareness. Notice the assumptions that can shape everyday conversations, and make room for experiences different from our own.

One place to begin is by recognising pronatalism: the often-unspoken expectation that having children is a natural or expected part of life. Consider how this may influence whether we assume someone has, wants or can have children.

It is also important to understand the difference between being childfree and being childless not by choice. Explore the articles, personal stories and webinars available through World Childless Week to learn more from the childless community.

A passionate voice for change

Red Nose Bereavement Support Worker, Hospital to Home, Anne Altamore, is a World Childless Week Global Ambassador and a passionate advocate for greater awareness and less stigma. She welcomes conversations from anyone who wants to learn more or feels connected to the issue.

“We are here for you through the year; we get louder in September,” says Stephanie Phillips. Anne adds: “I am loud all the time.”