Support for those affected by the war in Ukraine
So far, an estimated two million people have been displaced by the devastating war in Ukraine.
Our Barnet Together partners Inclusion Barnet have collated a list of resources for local groups looking to support those affected by the war in Ukraine. In a blog post, they provide links to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s appeal, London-based organisations providing support, local collection points for donating goods and more.
Additionally, the National Youth Agency (NYA) and the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal has set up a central site for youth workers, youth groups and sector organisations to donate funding raised to support humanitarian aid for the people affected by the conflict in Ukraine. They have also created a resource hub with tools and expert resources to help youth workers educate young people during the Ukraine Crisis.
While many people are looking for ways to show their support for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine, it is also a time where many people are feeling scared and anxious. Children and young people may be upset by what they are seeing and hearing on the news, or worried for their futures.
Kooth is a confidential online counselling and emotional well-being support service providing young people aged 11-25 years within Barnet a free, safe and secure means of accessing support with their emotional health and wellbeing from a professional team of qualified counsellors.
To find out more visit www.kooth.com where young people can register and find out more about the services.
Barnet’s 0-19 Early Help Service’s website barnetyouth.uk has a directory of local mental health and wellbeing services and resources: https://barnetyouth.uk/Advice--Support/Mental-Health--Well-being
For younger children, the news can seem particularly scary and confusing.
BBC Newsround has published a guide specifically for children:
“What to do if you're upset by the news” https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/13865002
There are also a number of articles containing advice for parents and guardians including:
“How to Talk with Children About the Conflict in Ukraine” by Save the Children
“How to talk to children when the news is scary” by First News
