Team Up taking place in Uganda

Millions of children in conflict bear invisible wounds

With the right mental health support they can heal from the trauma of war.

Most children dream of becoming astronauts, doctors, or teachers but war robs them of this vision and the bright future ahead. They may have lost parents, homes, schools, everything familiar. The pain they carry is often invisible, but it is just as real as hunger or thirst. 

Without mental health support, children cannot recover, learn, or thrive. Trauma stays with them for life. That’s why War Child and our local partners, provide safe spaces, counselling, and support that help children start to feel like children again. 

Around the world, nearly 1 in 5 children are affected by conflict. Research shows that around 47% of children exposed to war may suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.  

Mental health care is not a luxury, it is lifesaving. Just like food, water, and shelter, it must be part of every emergency response. Yet right now, mental health support receives less than 2% of all international aid funding, leaving countless children suffering in silence. 

War Child and its partners are working on the frontline of this crisis.  

In 2024, we provided mental health support to 147,000 children around the world, including in Uganda. 

Children taking part in a Team Up session in Uganda.
Photo taken by Peter Caton

(Photo: children taking part in a session in the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement in Uganda)

War Child is working with CARE Uganda and the Uganda Refugee and Disaster Management Council (URDMC) to provide mental health support to children and families fleeing conflict in Sudan. Tens of thousands have crossed the border in 2025 alone, often after a gruelling journey, carrying nothing but the clothes on their backs. 

In the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, children and caregivers are taking part in EASE (Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions) sessions, developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with support from War Child. These sessions help children understand their feelings, manage stress, and rebuild confidence. It won’t stop a child living through war, but it can help them heal and not be defined or destroyed by it. 

(Photo: Azam (front) and friends using breathing techniques) 

Azam taking part in a Team Up programme
Photo taken by Peter Canton

“Before joining EASE, I used not to be social, I liked fighting and found it hard to feel good about myself because I lost so many people from my family and very nice friends, which was not easy for me,” says Azam, 15. 

Ethar holding some artwork
Photo taken by Peter Caton
I used to fear approaching people a lot, but the sessions have built my confidence, and I can now freely interact with people
Ethar, aged 13

When children get the right support, they can begin to recover. They can learn again, play again, hope again. Resilient children grow into resilient adults. 

Supporting children’s mental health doesn’t just change lives, it builds a safer, more peaceful future. 

Help us deliver vital mental health support

This World Mental Health Day, please help more children heal from the trauma of war.

Donate today