What is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month?

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month (CPAM) takes place throughout March

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month was initiated in 2006 by the Cerebral Palsy Advocacy Group as an awareness campaign to help support individuals with cerebral palsy. 

Throughout March, our mission is to help more people learn more about cerebral palsy and how it can affect a person's everyday life. We also want to take the opportunity to raise awareness of the vital work we do to provide specialist therapy and support to children and families across Wales living with cerebral palsy.

Did you know that cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in children worldwide? 

Together, we want to make as much noise as possible across Wales this March to raise awareness of cerebral palsy and the work we do to make a difference to children and families across Wales. We would like to say a huge thank you to Irwin Mitchell for sponsoring CPAM2025 and enabling us to raise even more awareness! 

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder affecting movement and posture. It results from damage to the brain that occurs during pregnancy, around the time of birth, or within the first two years after birth. 

Every child with cerebral palsy has their own unique strengths and challenges. 

How many people are there living with cerebral palsy?

There are 17 million people worldwide living with cerebral palsy. Approximately 160,000 people living in the UK have cerebral palsy. 

Here in Wales, approximately 6,000 people are living with cerebral palsy. There are 1,800 children in Wales with cerebral palsy, and it is estimated that every 5 days a baby will be born who will have the condition.  

How does cerebral palsy affect everyday functions?

Cerebral palsy can affect a range of everyday functions, such as eating, dressing, writing, sitting, standing, walking and talking.

Some children may have difficulties in only one of these areas, whilst others will need support with them all. 

Is there a cure for cerebral palsy?

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, however, the brain can adapt, and therapy can influence how the brain develops. 

At Cerebral Palsy Cymru, we work with each family and child to enable them to reach their full potential. 

Get involved with Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month this March

Together, we want to make as much noise as possible across Wales to raise awareness of cerebral palsy and the work we do to make a difference to children and families across Wales. 

Whether it's 'Going Green for CP', taking part in our '70 Miles in March' fundraising challenge or simply downloading our CPAM2025 resources to share with your friends and families, we have lots of ways that you can get involved this March to help us raise awareness. 

A group of men and women wearing green t-shirts and holding green balloons smiling at the camera
Go Green for CP!

Green is the official colour for cerebral palsy awareness. Find out more about how you can 'Go Green for CP' this March and help us celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. 

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month resources

We have a number of resources available for free to help you get involved and raise awareness this March. Click the link below to download digital content, or email fundraising@cerebralpalsycymru.org to request hard copy materials. 

Get your workplace involved

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is a great way to come together as a team for the 6,000+ individuals in Wales living with cerebral palsy today. There are lots of ways you can get your team involved this March. Click below to find out more about how your organisation can lead the way in raising awareness this March. 

Get your school involved

There are around 1,800 children in Wales today living with cerebral palsy. If you have a child in your school who has cerebral palsy, or you want to encourage your child's school to learn more about the condition in a fun and age-appropriate way, we are here to help! 

Share your story with us

Do you want to share your story with our community of families, supporters and fundraisers? Are you a family who has received therapy and support from us? Or perhaps you are an adult or young person living with cerebral palsy?  We would love to work with you to share your story this March. 

A baby sat on a therapy mat playing with a red plastic bowl
Help us make a difference

As a charity, we need to raise over 1 million every year. On average, 80% of our income comes from donations, gifts in Wills, trusts, our charity shops, fundraising events and corporate donations. Please consider making a donation today in support of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and to help fund our vital work. 

How we have helped in Wales

59

Family support appointments took place in 2024-25

300

Children from across Wales have been treated during 2024-25

1077

The number of sessions of specialist therapy we delivered in 2024-25

Renley's story

As a family, we have found Cerebral Palsy Cymru so helpful. The sessions have been very educational, and the emotional support we have received has also been truly amazing. 

- Told by Mum, Alys

View our testimonials

Harlow's Story

The early intervention service has given us clear guidance and practical activities to support Harlow at home. Their help has made a big difference in understanding her needs and in accessing further services. Harlow’s therapy sessions have truly been life-changing for her and for us as a family.

- Family story

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Rosie's Story

Even waiting in reception, we could see other families who were in similar situations, and we felt a sort of sense of belonging. We just felt less alone.

- Family story

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Ella's Story

The support and guidance we have received from the team at Cerebral Palsy Cymru has been excellent. Ella is currently on track with her milestones and Ella’s development is a great example of what early intervention can do.

- Family story

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Hopcyn's story

Better Start, Better Future has given us an inclusive, understanding, supportive community, a safe place free from judgement, surrounded by families who truly understand.

- Family Story

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