Question 1

What is this year's theme?

Accepted Answer

Our theme for Empathy Week 2026 is "My Culture, Your Culture, Our Culture".

This theme invites every student to explore what culture truly is: the shared stories, values, languages, traditions, creative expressions and everyday practices that shape how people live.

Throughout the week, students will reflect on their own identities (“My Culture”), encounter diverse perspectives in their community and around the world (“Your Culture”), and build a sense of belonging by finding common ground (“Our Culture”).

With flexible, age-appropriate activities and real-world stories, students will challenge assumptions, celebrate difference and recognise connection!

Question 2

We already have a very busy school timetable, how can Empathy Week fit into it?

Accepted Answer

Empathy Week is designed to be flexible!

Our assemblies and video resources are designed to fit within short time slots, including pastoral, tutor and assembly time.

In terms of our online and in-person events, you can register for these now and pick which ones suit you and integrate into your schedule well in advance of March.

Question 3

What's the time commitment for Empathy Week?

Accepted Answer

How much time you spend taking part in Empathy Week 2025 is completely up to you as a school. Some hold just one assembly, whilst others use all the resources we have to offer.

Just remember that to truly develop the skill of empathy in students, we have to increase the diversity and amount of opportunities for them to experience other people’s worlds!

The more of Empathy Week that you take part in, the bigger the impact on your students' emotional intelligence, confidence, and wellbeing you will have.

Question 4

What do my students gain from Empathy Week?

Accepted Answer

Empathy is a vital skill to learn. It is the foundation of great relationships and our ability to connect and communicate. However we all need opportunities to be able to develop and practice empathy - that is what we provide.

Students will engage in age-differentiated webinars, assemblies, and events that give them the chance to learn from inspiring speakers with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Watch our 2024 highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5AN5VhMLBM)for a taster of what to expect this coming year.

Question 5

How can other teachers at my school access the CPD sessions?

Accepted Answer

There are two ways!

1) Quick and easy - head to this page https://www.empathy-week.com/empathyweekcpd2025 which can be shared with educators and teachers in your school for them to book on to CPD sessions they like themselves!

2) Longer method - Teachers can also register via the register page and create a log in themselves if they wish!

Question 6

Why is empathy important?

Accepted Answer

Empathy is the skill that underpins all other crucial life skills - including leadership, creativity, problem solving, communication and resilience.

It can be practiced, taught and developed over time. Our 2022 pilot study with Cambridge University showed that after taking part in Empathy Week:

• Students were more responsive to the feelings of others and displayed increased emotional empathy.
• Students demonstrated signs of increased self-compassion.
• Students displayed a greater desire to connect with others.

Here’s some of the research we refer to and think you’ll find fascinating too:
• Empathy reduces cyberbullying (https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/cyberbullying-empathy-study.php)
• Empathy increases creativity (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1365480221989500)
• Empathy is essential for better workplace leadership (https://www.catalyst.org/media-release/empathic-leaders-drive-employee-engagement-and-innovation-media-release/)
• Empathy (and compassion) plays a vital role in conflict resolution (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1754073919838609)

Question 7

Does my school need to pay to take part in Empathy Week?

Accepted Answer

No! All schools (state and independent) will have access to events, assemblies, and resources free of charge!

You just need to ensure that your school is registered (click here,(https://www.empathy-week.com/register) or navigate to the 'Register' tab at the top of the page).

Question 8

How do we define empathy?

Accepted Answer

The skill to understand another and the ability to create space for someone to reveal their authentic self whilst reserving judgement.

Question 9

Do you have any teacher testimonials?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do! Do watch this 4-minute video,(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TYkzIupHZk) to hear from teachers and students across the UK on how they found Empathy Week, how they use it and what they love about the programme.

Question 10

Where can I download more information that I can pass on to other members of my team?

Accepted Answer

Please click here (https://www.empathy-week.com/about)and scroll down to our Schools Information Pack, which you can download and share with your team!

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