Support for young members during times of conflict

Updated on 7 August 2024

Girlguiding is dedicated to creating a better world for girls and young women, and we are deeply shocked and saddened by the violence and conflicts happening across both the UK and the world.

We’re sending a message of heartfelt support, and our thoughts are with any of our members who are directly impacted or have family or friends affected. We want to be a place where everyone is welcome, is free to be themselves, and has an equal sense of belonging – whoever they are and wherever they’re from. 

At Girlguiding, we’re part of a worldwide sisterhood of girls and women. Now more than ever, it’s important for us to come together and support each other. Together with our friends at WAGGGS, we believe that everyone, everywhere deserves to live in a peaceful world.

Supporting you with having conversations

When conflict and violence arise, it worries us all. And young people may find it particularly upsetting or hard to deal with. These activities will support you in talking about difficult situations, both at home and with your unit:

• Colour my mood. This activity, which was made with Rainbows in mind, helps girls understand emotions and think about who they can talk to about their feelings.
• Happy thoughts. This activity was made with Brownies and Guides in mind. It shows them how to create and use a mindfulness jar to help clear bad thoughts. It also includes some mindfulness techniques to practice.
• Take a moment. This activity was made with Guides in mind. It gives girls the chance to learn calming techniques and learn the signs of a panic or asthma attack.
• Checking in. This activity was made with Guides in mind, and gives girls the chance to carry out a guided body scan meditation. It also includes tips for how to transform their space into a place of tranquility.
• Keeping afloat. This activity was made with Rangers in mind. It gives girls the chance to think about why support networks are important and how they can create a support network of their own.

You might also find our guidance on supporting young people with bereavement helpful. You can find further resources about global conflict at The National Youth Agency’s hub for supporting young people in the face of global conflict and trauma. And if you want more information on speaking to young people of colour who may be affected by violence and conflict, YoungMinds has resources on Islamophobia and mental health and racism and mental health.

We also have support resources available to help welcome refugees and asylum seeking members, people of colour and people of all faiths to guiding. If it doesn’t feel safe to meet in person in your area right now, here are some resources to help adapt the programme for a virtual meeting.