28 August 2026
Communication is something we all rely on every day.
We use words, gestures, facial expressions, tone and body language to explain what we need, how we feel and what we want from the people around us. But for some people, communicating through speech can be difficult.
That is where approaches such as Makaton can make a real difference.
Celebrating Makaton International Awareness Day
Makaton International Awareness Day takes place on 28 August 2026, with this year's theme being ‘Together’.
The Makaton Charity describes the day as an opportunity to celebrate the connections made possible through Makaton and to promote inclusion, communication and understanding.
Makaton combines signs, symbols and speech to support communication. It can be used by people of all ages and in a wide range of environments, including schools, workplaces, care settings and community spaces. With Makaton, we can create an environment where people have different ways to express themselves and where those communication methods are recognised and respected.
Communication Can Affect Behaviour
For people who struggle to communicate their needs, frustration can sometimes be expressed through behaviour.
Someone may become distressed because they cannot explain what they want. They may struggle to understand what is being asked of them. They may become overwhelmed because they cannot communicate that something is causing them discomfort. If we only respond to the behaviour we see, we may miss the reason behind it. Understanding communication needs can therefore be an important part of preventing escalation and supporting positive relationships.
Creating More Inclusive Environments
Inclusive communication does not have to mean making major changes to everything we do.
Sometimes, learning a few signs, using visual information or giving someone additional time to communicate can make a significant difference. The Makaton Charity's 2026 campaign focuses on bringing people together and encouraging people to share their experiences of how Makaton has helped create connections. Every person should have a way to communicate their needs, express themselves and be understood.
Communication, Understanding and Support
At SecuriCare, understanding people is an important part of effective behavioural support.
The more we understand how someone communicates, the better placed we are to recognise potential triggers, reduce frustration and respond appropriately when situations become challenging. Makaton International Awareness Day provides a useful opportunity to consider whether our workplaces and services are genuinely accessible to the people we support.
Creating a safer environment can start with something as simple as helping someone to be heard. If your organisation would like to strengthen staff skills in communication and behavioural support, get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.