Youth work is universal, no matter where in the world, or the circumstances, youth work is transformational.

Within this page you will find guides, toolkits and signposts for youth workers and those working with young people in England to help you navigate conversations with young people about global conflict and trauma.

The British Red Cross is accepting donations to fund humanitarian aid for all people affected by current global conflicts, please click below to find out more.

We will continue to update this webpage over the upcoming days and weeks.

Resources for Youth Workers

This digital toolkit is designed to be used with young people aged 11+ to stimulate discussion, thought and reflection around key themes such as identity, belonging, diversity and community. 

Watch our Trauma Informed Practice webinar.

Complete our Free CPD Course – Working with Young People – Media Literacy and Digital Youth Work

Additional Resources

TopicResource NameOrganisationLink
Understanding ConflictResources to support individuals and organisations working to nurture and protect children and young people following trauma.UK Trauma CouncilAccess the resource
Understanding conflictBritish Red Cross Teaching Resource: Rules of WarBritish Red CrossAccess the resource
Understanding conflictHow to talk to children about warSave the ChildrenAccess the resource
Understanding conflictTalking to children about warBarnardo’sAccess the resource
RefugeesRefugee ChildrenMentally Healthy SchoolsAccess the resource
RefugeesSupport for people affected by crisis in UkraineRefugee CouncilAccess the resource
UNICEFRefugee and Migrant Children EuropeUNICEFAccess the resource
UNICEFChildren in UkraineUNICEFAccess the resource
Media LiteracyMedia Literacy and Fact FindingBe Internet CitizensAccess the resource
ResilienceMental Health resources for young peopleBoing BoingAccess the resource
Building PeacePeace Resources and ActivitiesWoodcraft Folk Access the resource
RefugeesJourney with an Unaccompanied ChildCourtesy of Refugee Youth ServiceAccess the resource
Understanding ConflictTalking to children and young people about war and conflictPlace 2 BeAccess the resource
Understanding ConflictUnderstanding Conflict Session PlanCourtesy of KineticAccess the resource
ResilienceResilience ToolkitMind ToolsAccess the resource
Understanding ConflictHow to talk about conflict impartiallyBritish Red CrossAccess the resource
Newsthink: PalestineUse this free teaching resource to explore the rules of war and their importance during conflict, based on the ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.British Red CrossAccess the resource
Newsthink: UkraineA powerful photo resource to explore how crises affect peopleBritish Red CrossAccess the resource
ResilienceActivities and advice to support your wellbeing and build resilienceBritish Red CrossAccess the resource
Building PeaceFree lesson plans and teaching materials to explore humanitarianism British Red CrossAccess the resource
Understanding ConflictFree teaching resources look at the impact of conflict.British Red CrossAccess the resource
Refugee Youth ServiceAn organisation specialising in supporting unaccompanied children and young peopleRefugee Youth ServiceAccess the resource
Refugee YouthRefugeeYouth exists to combat alienation and despair amongst young refugees and migrants aged 14-21Refugee YouthAccess the resource
Mentor a young refugeeAny UK resident can apply to become a mentor. Hope for the Young aim to establish a pool of volunteers of different ages, cultural backgrounds, and skillsHope for the YoungAccess the resource
Support for homeless young refugeesCentrepoint support for young homeless refugeesCentrepointAccess the resource
Integration of refugeesGood practices and challenges for Integration of young refugeesEU Agency for fundamental rightsAccess the resource
Unaccompanied young peopleLondon-based charity working with young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11-25, most of whom are alone in the UK without their familiesYoung RootsAccess the resource
Young refugees and migrantsOur services across the UK give young refugees and migrants opportunities to recover, meet people and start enjoying life in a new country.Children’s SocietyAccess the resource
Refugee Youth ServiceSite listing resources for local and regional government on Welcoming, protecting and including refugee children.Child Friendly CitiesAccess the resource
Building PeaceFree teaching resources from the CND Peace Education organisationCND Peace EducationAccess the resource

Resources for Young People

Childhood Trauma, War and Conflict |  UK Trauma Council

FYI: Investigates: Ukraine’s Children of War

BBC Newsround: War in Ukraine, what do all the words mean

BBC Newsround: History of the Conflict of Russia and Ukraine Explained

Mis/disinformation

  • Fact check using Snopes and Full Fact  
  • Check who else is reporting on a news item or story 
  • Do you know enough about the subject to form a clear view – research 
  • Are you displaying bias, perhaps you don’t want/want the information to be true 
  • Emotions – remember if a piece of content makes you sad or angry, check it out before you share.  
  • Research the author/content creator, have they highlighted any conflict of interest, political preference or sponsorship.  
  • ‘reverse image search function’ –See if the image is used elsewhere or for anything else: Search with an image on Google – Computer – Google Search Help 
  • Check that the article is recent, especially if it suggests it is ‘news’.  
  • Take control and consider seeking out alternate view points. 
  • You may choose to ‘Block’ the site.  
  • Flag the issue using the platform reporting process.  
  • Ignore or remove the content 
  • Comment on the issues to alert others of misinformation or disinformation 
  • Share link to facts 
  • Counter with positivity 
  • Remember that the online environment is not always reflective of the reality. 
  • Weigh it all up and make an informed decision.   

Additional Resources

Resource NameOrganisationLink
9 Meaningful ways you can help UkraineGlobal CitizenAccess the Resource
Resilience ToolkitMind ToolsAccess the toolkit
Mental Health ResourcesBoingBoingAccess the resources
All Eyes on UkraineFirst News (newspaper for children & young people)Access the Resource
Ways to cope with upsetting events in the newsShoutVisit Shout

Additional Support

OrganisationLink
Young MindsVisit Youngminds.org.uk
KoothVisit Kooth.com
SamaritansVisit Samaritans.org
MindVisit Mind.org.uk
UN Refugee AgencyVisit UNHCR.org
Phone Credit 4 RefugeesVisit PC4R.org

Youth Councils/Parliaments/Forums

OrganisationLink
European Youth ParliamentVisit their website
British Youth CouncilVisit their social media
European Youth ForumVisit their website

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