5 Ways That Conflict Impacts Children's Mental Health
Distressing conflict-related events can affect children's psychological and emotional well-being in various ways, and have a long-term impact if left untreated.
Help Save Children in Ukraine
Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe, after Russia, and has an estimated population of 44 million. Sadly, children in Eastern Ukraine have grown up in conflict for the past eight years, enduring violence, shelling and being displaced from their homes. Today, fighting in Ukraine has forced more than 6 million Ukrainians to be internally displaced, and some 8 million are refugees. More than 4 children a day are killed or injured.
Ukraine’s children are caught in the crossfire of this adult war. It should never have come to this.
Save the Children has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, delivering essential humanitarian aid to children and their families. In 2022, Save the Children supported nearly 1.1 million people, including 614,000 children, across Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Lithuania. Your generous support makes this work possible. Make a one-time donation to the Children's Emergency Fund or join Team Tomorrow to connect with the causes you care about - like conflict- through your monthly donation.
The conflict in Ukraine has caused the fastest and largest displacement of people in Europe since World War II.
- Heavy fighting, shelling and air strikes across Ukraine have forced 6.2 million Ukrainians to be internally displaced, and some 8 million are refugees in neighbouring and other countries.
- Children have spent more than 900 hours hiding in bunkers across the country, The risk to their mental health and the potential for long-term trauma cannot be underestimated.
- Children on the move across Eastern Europe are at risk of hunger, illness, trafficking and abuse.
- Distressed children and mothers have been forced to leave fathers and husbands behind after authorities ordered Ukrainian men aged 18-60 to stay and fight.
Every effort should be made to find a diplomatic solution and avert an even more catastrophic war. Advocate for Ukraine refugee children and those and displaced in Ukraine by joining our political advocacy arm — Save the Children Advocacy Network's — efforts. Send a message to President Biden and Congress: children's rights are being violated in Ukraine — and we must hold those responsible to account.
In 2022, Save the Children supported nearly 1.1 million people, including 614,000 children, across Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Lithuania.
61,986 hygiene kits, containing soap, disinfectant, shampoo and toothbrushes, were distributed
34,770 people received mental health and psychosocial support
1,847 children made friends, played sports, did crafts and practiced languages through our summer camps
83 digital learning spaces, equipt with educational materials to help children access education, were implemented
35,969 famillies were supported with cash transfers
62 child-friendly spaces, where boys and girls can socialize, play, and feel like a children again, were set up
Save the Children has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, delivering essential humanitarian aid to children and their families. Your generous support makes this work possible. Make a one-time donation to the Children's Emergency Fund or join Team Tomorrow to connect with the causes you care about through your monthly donation. Advocate for Ukraine refugee children and those and displaced in Ukraine by joining our political advocacy arm — Save the Children Advocacy Network's — efforts to send a message to Congress.
Response Highlights: Health and Nutrition
We’ve supported over 44,042 families with access to medical care by providing essential medical supplies and support to hospitals, with a focus on maternal and newborn health, as well as supplying Trauma Kits to treat injuries.
We’ve distributed over 2,500 food kits across Eastern Ukraine to feed children and their families.
Response Highlights: Child-Friendly Spaces
We’ve supported over 15,884 children with protection services and, together with our partners, we are running Child Friendly Spaces where children can play and learn.
Save the Children supported summer camps in Poland for children who fled Ukraine. During these summer camps, we supported children by providing social cohesion activities – bringing together Polish and Ukrainian children.
Response Highlights: Cash Assistance
We’ve supported over 62,000 people with cash assistance, totaling over $18M, to help families buy the things they need most. Cash assistance gives people choice, helps support local economies and is the most efficient and effective way of helping families meet their specific needs.
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