Around the world, millions of children like five year-old Polina from Ukraine, are having their childhoods shattered by bombs and violent fighting. But putting the pieces back together is at the heart of what we do. We know, that with the right support, children can learn to play, laugh and dream again, and recover from the trauma of war.
When a child experiences war, the trauma can last a lifetime. Many Ukrainian children have lived through nightmares that no child should ever have to experience.
That's why War Child is dedicated to protecting children's minds. On the front line in Ukraine, children were scared to sit in dark, gloomy bomb shelters for hours on end. Our local team transformed the shelters into play centres - painting the walls bright colours and supplying books, toys and games to keep children entertained and distract them from the terrifying sounds happening outside.
When the war broke out in Ukraine, Polina was scared. She could see shellings and tanks, but couldn't understand what was happening. Her family fled their home and found a War Child centre where they can live safely and where Polina and her sister can go to school and continue their education.
At the centre, specialist local staff provide therapy for children and other children through music, art and sports, allowing them to process their experiences through creativity.
Supporting children through play can be life-changing. It ensures that children like Polina don't miss out on their childhood.
By making a donation, you can help us reach more children like Polina with our specialised mental health support programmes, making sure they can process their trauma and be children again.
Donate today.
Please donate today and help us carry on providing psychological support to children in war. The quicker we act, the quicker a child can heal from trauma.
War Child's 'Bombs Are Still Falling' Ukraine Appeal, featuring Gillian Anderson
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Alina’s life was turned upside down when she fled Ukraine with her three children. They are desperate to go home to normal life, but the ongoing conflict means they may never be able to return. War Child are supporting thousands of Ukrainian families like Alina’s with protection, education and life-saving aid. With your help we can reach even more. Start a monthly gift today.
We're here to help. If you have any questions about the ways you can give, you can contact us by phoning us on +44 (0)20 7112 2555 or by sending an email to [email protected].
If you'd like to donate by post, you can make a cheque payable to War Child and send it to: War Child UK, Dunn’s Hat Factory (4th Floor), 106-110 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1 9PX.
