We are supporting our friends at Sibs to celebrate National Siblings Day On Monday 10 April 2023!
National Siblings Day aims to raise awareness of the valuable role siblings play in the lives of their disabled brothers and sisters, how unique their relationship can be and how they need to be recognised and celebrated in their own right too.
On Monday 10th April, you can use the hashtags: #NationalSiblingsDay2023 #SiblingStrengths to celebrate National Siblings Day on social media.
Why is National Siblings Day Important?
Sibs explain that siblings who grow up with a disabled brother or sister often spend a lot of time coming second (or third or fourth…) to the needs of another. Their day-to-day life may centre around their brother or sister’s routine and their abilities. It can be challenging to share time with parents and some siblings may be helping out more around the home or with caring tasks.
As adults, siblings may have the longest-standing relationship with their disabled brother or sister across the lifespan, beyond that of care providers, professionals and other family members. Siblings are often advocates for their brother or sister’s needs whilst juggling a work and family life of their own.
Many siblings enjoy and value the unique connection and relationship they share with their brother or sister. National Siblings Day is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the value of sibling relationships, to highlight what an important role siblings play in the lives of their disabled brothers and sisters and to celebrate siblings in their own right too.
“I feel like I have been on an emotional roller coaster with Frazer all of my life. I often feel he has been given a raw deal but he is happy and enjoys his life and never complains. I love him and want the best for him, we have a lot of fun together. We have a shared history. I know all the things about him, things that make him happy or sad. I will fight for his needs always.” – Jayne, adult sibling
Supporting National Siblings Day
There are lots of different ways that you can support National Siblings Day. We have listed a few ideas below.
- If you are a young sibling, take a look at the resources on the Sibs website. You can also join one of the creative art sessions Sibs are running on Saturday 15 April.
- If you are an adult sibling, Sibs has a host of ideas to enable you to celebrate the day. This includes taking time out for yourself or sharing your experience by using the hashtag #SiblingStrengths to tell us about your own strengths or those you admire in others.
- Adult siblings can join the online support groups run by Sibs to meet other people who have grown up with a disabled brother or sister.
- Organisations can support National Siblings Day by sharing information on social media or running their own workshop. Explore the Sibs website for more information and resources.
- Listen to our podcast where Nicola Dean from the Ann Craft Trust speaks to Lisa Owen from Sibs about the impact of the pandemic on the siblings of disabled young people.