As the world turns its attention to Valentine’s Day, a global coalition of advocates is shining a light on a much less visible form of heartbreak. Children of Alcoholics (COA) Week 2026, running from February 8 to 14, has mobilized organizations across the UK, US, Europe, and Asia to address the “hidden hurt” of parental substance use. With an estimated one in five children in the UK and one in four in the US living in homes shadowed by addiction, this year’s campaign, themed “Next Generation” in several regions, focuses on breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma and silence.
In London, the 2026 observance reached the halls of power with the Stafford Ward Memorial Lecture at the House of Commons on February 11. Led by Lord Richard Walker and featuring voices of lived experience, the event underscored the urgent need for policy shifts to support “forgotten families.” Meanwhile, Nacoa UK launched Sam’s Story, a poignant new animated film designed to reach children isolating in fear. The digital landscape has been equally active, with “COA Week Live” panels on social media providing a platform for young people to discuss the unique challenges of growing up with a parent who drinks too much, emphasizing the mantra that they are not alone.
The 2026 edition has seen a surge in international participation, with each country tailoring the message to its specific cultural hurdles. In Slovenia, advocates are rallying under the slogan, “When stigma speaks, children fall silent,” targeting the Maribor region with public roundtables to dismantle the shame that prevents youth from seeking help. Similarly, South Korea has expanded its nationwide partner network for 2026, using the slogan “You’re Not Alone” (넌 혼자가 아냐) to reassure children that they are not responsible for their parents’ illness. From Germany’s film screenings to India’s writing competitions, the global community is working to turn “children of risk” into “children of promise.”
Beyond the high-profile lectures and webinars, the week is defined by grassroots resilience and a commitment to “The Seven Cs”—a recovery framework that teaches children they didn’t cause and cannot cure their parent’s addiction. Fundraisers, such as a 73.5-mile “RunTheMetro” challenge in Northern England, continue to draw public attention to the cause through sheer physical endurance. As COA Week 2026 concludes, the message remains clear: while parental addiction thrives in isolation, the path to healing for the next generation is built through connection, visibility, and the unwavering support of caring adults.
Fidn more from NACOA.org.uk (February 2026)
Alcohol Awareness 