A shortlisted entrant, Echoes of Hope details the support Beyond Conflict is providing to children experiencing war trauma
Often, it can feel as though there is little hope in the world. Every news bulletin carries the same messages of war and conflict around the planet, from the Middle East to Ukraine.
In particular, children face a heavy burden from the consequences of war. Extreme stressors such as exposure to violence, injury, illness, displacement and loss of loved ones can cast serious impacts on an individual’s mental health.
Today, 460 million children are living in or fleeing warfare, and one in five will go on to develop serious mental health conditions as a result.
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War trauma ruins the lives of tens of millions of children – ranging from impacts such as insomnia, intrusive memories and panic attacks. Unlike physical wounds that are immediately visible, mental wounds can remain obscured and as such, undetected.
But what can be done to help?
Beyond Conflict, set up in 2018, is a charity aiming to tackle the root causes of war trauma. They provide mental health support to children, young people and anyone suffering from the lingering effects of war trauma.
In Gaza, Beyond Conflict is supporting the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme. Back in September, the mental health hospital there was bombed by the IDF, with just 15 minutes notice to evacuate. Still, medical personnel are providing psychological support to countless people in Gaza. As well as this, Beyond Conflict are funding a new project in Gaza to help 2,800 children through recreational play coupled with mental health support.
In southern Iraq, Beyond Conflict supported a project for widows and orphans whose lives were shattered from years of experiencing life on the frontlines of conflict. Elsewhere, in Ukraine, Beyond Conflict are supporting disabled children in Lviv by using workshops including art therapy and music.
Through all of their work, the mission remains the same: to heal minds and restore hope.
Beyond the frontlines, they also campaign to make mental health a core part of humanitarian aid: hosting concerts, galleries and more to shed light on its importance.
Echoes of Hope is a shortlisted entrant in our Better World Video Awards 2025 competition. To vote for it, click on the link here.
