A Liverpool charity is leading a programme of activities across the city this week to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

The citywide initiative is being organised by Mandela8 in partnership with Liverpool City Council and Liverpool BID Company, encouraging people to carry out acts of kindness and make a positive difference in their communities.

Mandela Day is marked internationally on 18 July and celebrates Nelson Mandela’s work, values and commitment to public service.

People are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes to activities that support social justice and community improvement, representing the 67 years Mandela devoted to serving the public.

The annual event recognises his achievements in promoting democracy, human rights, peace, reconciliation and conflict resolution. It also reinforces the message that everyone has the power to make a difference in their own community.

This year’s programme will focus on two key themes: Education and Literacy, and Active Citizenship.

Education and Literacy activities will aim to improve access to books, learning opportunities and mentoring, while Active Citizenship will encourage volunteering and civic engagement to help address poverty and inequality.

Schools, businesses, institutions, voluntary and community organisations, and individuals across Liverpool are being encouraged to take part.

Interim Chair of Mandela8, Michelle Cox MBE said: 

“Mandela Day offers Liverpool a powerful opportunity to demonstrate how the values of Nelson Mandela remain relevant today. It is great to see schools, communities and civic institutions get involved every year. Mandela Day reminds us that everyone has the power to make a difference.

This is a unique opportunity to demonstrate how Mandela’s values can be translated into practical action across Liverpool, continuing to support our annual campaign to encouraging people to celebrate our diversity and differences.”

Those wanting to take part can plan activities to take place across the whole of Mandela Week (14–18 July 2026).

Mandela8 are also holding a free guided walk starting at the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre in L8 at 3:45pm this Saturday. With a special emphasis on the experiences of the Toxteth community, the walk guide will provide a series of links to online videos, podcasts and websites that enable you to gain a deeper comprehension of the history, heritage and culture of the area and the people who have settled there.

The walks will be guided by Robert Awork Jr. who is a lifelong inhabitant of L8 and also a witness to the uprisings of 1981 in Toxteth. His working life has been focused on activism in the areas of arts, culture, youth work and community development.

To book a free place on the walk, those interested can do so via Eventbrite.

For ideas on what you can do for Mandela Day, you can go to the Mandela8 website and don’t forget to tag Mandela8 when posting online about your Acts of Kindness. Please use the hashtag #MandelaDay2026 so the charity can see all your fantastic ideas.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Litter Picking – take part in – or help arrange – a litter pick for your local area or community group.

Chalk a Design or Quote – chalk colourful floral designs or patterns, or write an inspirational Mandela quote in a park or on a pavement in your community.

Plant for Mandela – whether it’s a new tree in your community, a plant in your garden, or some veg on your window sill.

Cake and Coffee Morning – arrange an event in your workplace or community to celebrate diversity through talking and learning about Nelson Mandela.

Raffles & Quizzes for Charity – arrange a raffle or quiz to raise funds for a charity of your choice.

Walk and Talk – plan a walk for staff, community members or with friends.

Foodbank Donations – gift food items to your local foodbank.

Digital Aid – help an elderly friend or relative learn how to use emerging technology which could help them in their life. 

Lockdown Pen Pals – write a letter to someone who is living alone or in a care home.

Volunteer with the Friends of Princes Park or the Friends of Princes Avenue and find out how you can make a difference in your community.

Liverpool City Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Ruth Bennett said:

“Mandela Day is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the values Nelson Mandela stood for and consider how we can make a positive difference in our communities. The theme, ‘It’s In Your Hands’, reminds us that tackling inequality and building a more inclusive city requires action from everyone.

Liverpool has a proud history of standing up for equality and social justice. Through our anti-racism work and partnerships across the city, we are committed to creating a place where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to thrive. I encourage residents, schools, businesses and community organisations to get involved and help make Mandela Day 2026 a success.”

Bill Addy, CEO, Liverpool Business Improvement District said:

“We are proud to, once again, be supporting Mandela Day. This truly is a moment for our city and communities to come together. The relevance of this day does not diminish.  The focus on learning and active participation gets to heart of how we have the agency to shape our cities and work in harmony together, to create a place that is driven by equality and accessibility for all.”

Mandela Day takes place on Saturday 18th July 2026. For more information on how to get involved in local activities please visit mandela8.org.uk or email mandela8@outlook.com

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