The mental health charity for conflict zones
Best Mental Health Charity for Victims of War 2024 – UK
by Acquisition International’s Non-Profit Organisation Awards
‘Peace Wall, Belfast’ by Edna Fernandes, for Beyond Conflict.
Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) back Beyond Conflict at annual conference
The Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT), the professional training body for the UK's surgeons, spotlighted the work of Beyond Conflict at its annual national conference in Belfast on Saturday March 8, after voting to make us their Charity of 2025.
Palestinian West Bank Project: Report
Beyond Conflict is proud to present a report on the Palestinian West Bank project from our partner on the ground Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). The project ran from January 2024 to May 2024, funded by our donor the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Foundation.
The work was commissioned in response to the escalated Israeli military response against Palestinian territories and civilians, following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. You can read the full report by clicking here.
Israel Project: Report
Beyond Conflict is proud to present a report on the Israel project from our partner on the ground, United Jewish Israel Appeal (UJIA).
The project ran from January 2024 to May 2024, funded by our donor the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Foundation. The work was commissioned in response to the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. You can read the full report by clicking here.
London Stock Exchange Group Foundation renews Beyond Conflict funding
LSEG Foundation CEO Luke Manning and Simon Wright join as advisors
The LSEG Foundation (London Stock Exchange Group) has agreed to make another major donation to Beyond Conflict to spend on projects supporting mental health in the Middle East region in 2025. We are immensely grateful and thank the Foundation for its belief in our work.
In addition, Beyond Conflict is delighted to announce that the LSEG Foundation CEO Luke Manning and Simon Wright, the former head and co-founder of one of Britain’s leading corporate communications consultancies serving the FTSE 100, will be joining us as strategic advisors in March 2025. Together, they will help the charity devise a strategy to grow and scale up our work.
Mental health support for those impacted by war, terrorism or displacement
Beyond Conflict provides mental health support to civilians and frontline workers living in overseas regions impacted by war, terrorism or displacement.
The Charity is often contacted by people in the UK who are also in need of mental health support. Beyond Conflict does not offer Mental Health and Psychological Support (“MHPSS”) in the UK but if you have been affected directly or indirectly by war or some of the issues discussed on this website, please look at the following links for mental health support available in this country. There are also links to international organisations that may be useful. Hopefully, these contacts can provide a starting point for people seeking professional support or more information.
You can download the resource here.
(Please note, these links and organisations are not endorsed, approved or verified by Beyond Conflict or its personnel.)
Thank you.
The Beyond Conflict Team
London Stock Exchange renews funding for BC Middle East projects
The London Stock Exchange Group Foundation (LSEG) has agreed to donate another £20,000 to Beyond Conflict to spend on projects supporting mental health in the Middle East region in 2025. We are immensely grateful and thank the Foundation for its belief in our work.
Beyond Conflict is pleased to announce a Board reshuffle
Our Founding Chairman Edmund Newell will be stepping down as Chair for a period but remain on as a trustee. Gillian Dare and Luke Tomkins will step up as Co-Chairs and Adam Perkins takes over from Luke as Treasurer.
Beyond Conflict wins 2024 Best Mental Health Charity
Beyond Conflict has been awarded Best UK Mental Health Charity for Victims of War in Acquisition International’s 2024 Non-Profit Organisation Awards which were publicly announced on 11 July. The prize marks our first major award since we were formed in January 2018.
Acquisition International said in its press release: “Our communities are the very backbone of today’s world and this year’s awardees have truly demonstrated their dedication towards supporting a plethora of communities — large and small. …
Beyond Conflict international panel event on children of war and mental health
Pledge to work with partners on building wider campaign
Beyond Conflict and its partner the Ukrainian Welcome Centre (UWC) co-hosted a panel discussion on children of war and the resultant global mental health crisis on 6 June 2024, with eminent speakers from around the world. With its partner, Beyond Conflict said it wanted to launch a campaign on the issue, also working with children globally to voice their generation’s concerns.
Child of War launches to acclaim at Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, London
Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski opens; HRH Prince Michael & Martin Bell attend
Child of War premiered on 22-23 May 2024 to great acclaim at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Mayfair, London.
The landmark Exhibition by Arabella Dorman, in partnership with Beyond Conflict and the Cathedral, saw more than 250 people attend VIP receptions over two days and was opened by Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski on 22 May. The VIP guests at receptions over two nights included HRH Prince Michael of Kent, UNICEF Ambassador and war reporting legend Martin Bell OBE and Sunday Times Chief Correspondent Christina Lamb OBE.
The Exhibition also featured on the national news on ITV’s News at 10. Click here to watch.
Beyond Conflict premieres CHILD OF WAR by ARABELLA DORMAN
May 22 VIP launch: Martin Bell and Christina Lamb keynote speakers in London
In response to wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere in the world, Beyond Conflict, the mental health charity for victims of war, is proud to present Child of War, a landmark exhibition by the award-winning war artist Arabella Dorman, on May 22 2024 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London.
Our Exhibition will premiere with a VIP Launch, with Martin Bell OBE, the UNICEF Ambassador and veteran war correspondent as our keynote speaker, together with Christina Lamb OBE, Sunday Times Chief Foreign Correspondent. Dorman will speak about her life’s work. The Exhibition will then open to the public for free and runs until June 6, 2024 before travelling onwards.
The Silent War
Read our report on “No Peace of Mind” event
We live in an almost unprecedented era of conflict. However, another silent war is being waged in the minds of civilians around the world. The growing mental health crisis in warzones threatens a chance of enduring stability and peace, once the bombs stop. It is a silent war that is ignored at our peril.
March 27 2024 – Geneva Graduate Institute and Beyond Conflict co-host:“No Peace of Mind: Mental Health Under Military Occupation & War”
Beyond Conflict will co-host an online panel discussion on 27 March 2024 with the world respected Geneva Graduate Institute’s Global Health Centre. “No Peace of Mind: Mental Health Under Military Occupation & War” will focus on Ukraine, Jammu and Kashmir and the Palestinian West Bank, featuring speakers who are leading mental health experts from each region.
Israel/Gaza Statement
We at Beyond Conflict extend our deepest condolences to all those who have been killed in Israel and Gaza. We deplore and condemn all acts of violence against innocent civilians on both sides. We join voices around the world to demand access to full international aid to Gaza civilians to prevent the humanitarian and conflict crisis escalating further.
As a mental health charity working with survivors of conflict, we recognise the depth of trauma and acute mental ill-health suffered by these innocent victims. We recognise, too, that unless the psychological impact of the conflict is addressed, and with a strong focus on children, it will undermine attempts now and in the future to rebuild trust and reach a sustainable peace.
Beyond Conflict hopes to announce shortly new projects to assist the people of both Israel and Gaza who’ve been affected by this crisis.
Beyond Conflict supports Palestinian project in West Bank
Beyond Conflict is proud to announce support for a new project in the Palestinian West Bank, helping civilians affected by the on-going crisis in the region. BC is supporting work to address the mental health impact upon civilians via our partner Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).
Beyond Conflict supports project in southern Israel
Beyond Conflict is proud to announce a new project in southern Israel, helping young people affected by the October 2023 Hamas attack. We are supporting the work of our partner, the United Jewish Israel Appeal (UJIA).
London Stock Exchange Foundation Donates to BC for new Israeli and Palestinian projects
This Christmas and holiday season, as the world prays for peace at a time of great suffering and uncertainty, Beyond Conflict announces two projects for Palestinians and Israelis, thanks to a major donation from the London Stock Exchange Group Foundation.
First Music Therapy Project A Success, London’s Barbican Centre Supports
Our Work
Beyond Conflict has successfully completed its first Music Therapy project for the Ukrainian Welcome Centre (UWC) in London. Today we publish the Impact Report which you can read in full here.
The London Barbican Centre showed its support for our work by donating thousands of pounds worth of free tickets to Christmas shows for the people who took part in the classes. The Barbican has donated complimentary tickets to Candlelit Carols as well as free entry to the Conservatory exhibition which currently features an installation from Indian artist Ranjani Shettar. Thank you Barbican!
Child of War Exhibition premieres May 2024
Beyond Conflict (BC) is proud to announce the Beyond Conflict Child of War Exhibition curated by award winning artist Arabella Dorman, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London.
The mental health charity for victims of war was founded in 2018 in response to hearing first hand stories about the mental health impact of war on children and young people. In this month of Remembrance for those who died in World War I and II, we announce that the first Beyond Conflict Child of War exhibition will premiere on 22 May 2024 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Mayfair.
This landmark Exhibition is a response to all children impacted by all wars.
London Oriana Choir, Alleyn’s School Choir and other musicians perform a requiem concert at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, London in memory of child victims of the war in Ukraine.
The event raised funds for Beyond Conflict’s trauma counselling for mothers and children who have fled to Poland, and for the London Welcome Centre for displaced Ukrainians.
You can see a recording of the event and contribute to the fund via our GoFundMe page . Thank you to everyone who has donated and our thanks go to all the participants and organisers of the concert, who also generously gave so much of their time.
Fundraising Heroes 2025
Thank you to The Association of Surgeons in Training for making Beyond Conflict the Charity of 2025. Throughout the year, the Association will be raising money for us at various events, including their annual conference and gala dinner in Belfast in March.
Spirit of Ukraine concert raises £1,000 for Beyond Conflict
A Fundraising Hero thank you to Alla Sirenko and the Ognisko Polskie centre in Kensington for their beautiful and moving “Spirit of Ukraine” fundraising concert in aid of Beyond Conflict on 28 June 2024, which raised around £1,000.
Children celebrate their art work for War Through Children’s Eyes
Children from across the UK came to London on June 8 2024 to view their work at the Child of War Exhibition, curated by Arabella Dorman, in aid of Beyond Conflict and the Ukrainian Welcome Centre, which showcases the artwork and words of hundreds of kids.
After the Bombs have Stopped
Victims of conflict face a double or triple whammy when trying to cope with mental health challenges. Even the most resilient may begin to experience symptoms of anxiety, anger and sleeplessness during wartime that last decades…
John Lennon donates rare “Give Peace a Chance” record to BC
Here is an early Christmas gift! The John Lennon estate has donated a rare and limited edition 12 inch acetate recording of Give Peace a Chance to Beyond Conflict. Just 50 charities were chosen around the world and we are one of them! #GivePeaceAChance
MENTAL HEALTH CONTACTS IN UK
Beyond Conflict provides mental health support to civilians and frontline workers living in the region, not in the UK. However, we are contacted sometimes by people living in the UK who are affected by these crises.
“WAR THROUGH CHILDREN’S EYES” SUPPORTS BEYOND CONFLICT
War Through Children’s Eyes (WTCE), the art and writing competition that aims to show how war is viewed from a child’s perspective, is supporting Beyond Conflict (BC), the mental health charity for victims of war and displacement this year.
THANKS TO
FUNDRAISING HEROES
As we launch our Mothers4Mothers campaign, a big thank you to those who helped get fundraising kick-started this spring. Thanks to Luke Tomkins, BC Treasurer for running the Brighton Marathon April 2023. He has already raised £1,167 plus GiftAid and counting. You can still donate here.
Our Mission
Welcome To Beyond Conflict
Working with respected local partners, we deliver free mental support to civilians and NGO frontline workers; training for frontline workers on how to identify and treat trauma. In partnership with some of the world’s top experts, Beyond Conflict is working to boost mental health support from the ground up, using remote and face-to-face training. In Ukraine, we are supporting those frontline NGOs offering refugees mental health and other aid.
War, displacement and terrorism have wreaked grave damage on the mental health of millions. Survivors continue to suffer from depression & PTSD long after a ceasefire. The worst hit are children, whose trauma can reverberate down the years.
Ukraine
In February 2022, BC began support for Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion and war on their country. With the unfolding crisis expected to lead to millions of refugees, BC donated to frontline NGOs in bordering Poland who are offering psychological as well as humanitarian aid. Children, women and vulnerable elderly people are suffering trauma, PTSD and unimaginable mental pressures after loss of homes and families.
Bangladesh
In October 2020 in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp In Bangladesh, BC started work with our local partner Global Development Consortium (GDC). The project helps some of the 1 million plus Rohingya refugees who fled the 2017 Myanmar military-led genocide. Our joint project delivered: free mental health support to frontline workers from 7 local NGOs in the camp; set up an emergency telephone support hotline and a referral pathway to enable frontline workers and refugees to access free psychiatric support in the camp. Those NGO workers support refugees inside the camp and are now being equipped to provide basic mental health support. Phase 2 is planned next.
Iraq
Our third priority is in Najaf, Iraq. At Christmas 2021, BC financially supported our Iraqi partner Al Kawthar, the widows and orphans charity, to provide a series of mental wellness workshops for 60 widows and their families, as well as some help for orphans under the NGO’s care. Al Kawthar is part of the respected international Al-Khoei Foundation. Next, BC and Al Kawthar aim to deliver mental health training to frontline workers from some of Iraq’s largest charities.
Proceeds and donations from our recent concert at The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, London, are set to rise beyond £5,000. The event raised funds for Beyond Conflict’s trauma counselling for mothers and children who have fled to Poland, and for the London Welcome Centre for displaced Ukrainians.
You can watch a recording of the concert and donate here.
Earlier this year, thanks to your generous online donations and cheques sent directly to us, we reached our then target of £5,000. Together with the £4,000 we sent in spring 2022, Beyond Conflict has sent a total of £9,000 to Ukrainian refugees so far this year. We’ll update you on the final amount raised from the concert.
Your money will make a difference to vulnerable children, women and elderly refugees who fled the brutal war in Ukraine.
Beyond Conflict’s Director Edna Fernandes said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated to this appeal which puts particular emphasis on delivering mental health support to refugees. The psychological fallout from war can last for generations, so support of this kind is necessary and urgent.”
According to UN data, summer 2022:
- 12 million people have fled their homes since the war began
- 5 million are refugees, the remainder are displaced
- every second another child becomes a refugee
- and since then, the lastest estimate is that almost 1,000 children have been killed.
UNICEF has stated: “These children urgently need safety, stability, child protection services, and psychosocial support – especially those who are unaccompanied or have been separated from their families. More than anything, they need peace,”
Media HUB
See what we’ve been up to!
Rohingya Refugee
Podcast
Terry Waite CBE
Beyond Conflict Blog
by Edna Fernandes, Co-Founder
What People are Saying
“Sometimes clients get terrified explaining the incidents that happen to them. They are mentally traumatised as some saw their mother, their father, brother, sister, babies getting murdered in front
of them.”
(A Cox’s Bazar frontline trainee on the trauma they witnessed in the camp.)
“This is a lifeline. It saves lives. It saved my life.”
Mr M, a frontline worker trainee on the Beyond Conflict/GDC Rohingya Refugee Project
“It’s great training. From the beginning i have learned the process of counselling, steps of mobilisation and treatment. We have increased our knowledge on identification, care giving process and counselling and developed session plans for the individuals. We also have improved our passion for the ill or sick people.”
Project Trainee
Projects
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Get in touch for information and inquiries regarding
mental health, fundraising, or volunteering for Beyond Conflict.
Send a cheque to Beyond Conflict, c/o our Legal Counsel Robert Craig at:
Beyond Conflict
c/o RDC
Howard Kennedy LLP
1 London Bridge
SE1 9BG
Contact our Co-Founder :
ednalouisa@gmail.com
0797 1667553
Fundraising:
Contact: ednalouisa@gmail.com
Podcast:
Contact: podcast@beyond-conflict.co.uk
