Responding to the crisis in Ukraine

As Scouts we’re committed to peace, international friendship, and respect for all. Our Chief Scout, Bear Grylls has written to the National Organization of the Scouts of Ukraine showing our solidarity, and extending the hand of friendship and support. We know this must be especially hard on the young people of Ukraine anxious about the future and concerned about the safety of their family and friends.

Bear has assured them that they’re not alone in this crisis. Here in the UK, our whole Scout movement stands with them.

At times like these, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends in crisis, and remind ourselves we’re part of a worldwide family of Scouts. Now is the moment for us to live our promise to help other people, especially as we begin to see refugees and displaced people. We hope and pray for a de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.

Help and support for volunteers and young people

We also know that this will be a worrying time for Scouts and other young people here in the UK, including those with family links to Ukraine. As the crisis escalates, so do people’s anxieties about the situation.

Hearing the words ‘bombing’ and ‘invasion’, without a full understanding of what’s going on, is concerning for us all, including our young people.

As a Scouts volunteer, here are some resources to help you approach the subject with different age groups. We hope they will help them understand more about conflict and help them come to terms with their thoughts and feelings to support their wellbeing.

• Exploring the topic of refugees with young people – badge-related activities and help to run a session on refugees
• Try Bogus bulletins or Keep your opinions to yourself to help young people to learn what news can be trusted
• Kindness Jars – focused on the young people of Ukraine
• Mindfulness time – with the help of some everyday objects
• How are you time? Times two – focused on helping family and friends to feel okay, especially at stressful times.
• Advice if you’re upset by the news – a BBC Newsround piece that you could watch in a meeting together with young people (Beaver/Cub/Scout appropriate)
• Help with talking to young people about the invasion – government guidance to help you help young people avoid misinformation
• 5 ways to talk to children about conflict – from our #AMillionHands partner Save the Children

We’ll continue to work with the World Organization of the Scout Movement and our partners to provide as much support as we can to our fellow Scouts in Ukraine, as well as to young people and volunteers here in the UK.

Make a donation

• If you would like to make a donation you can contribute to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal
• World Organisation of Scout Movement has launched its own humanitarian appeal with funding going directly to Ukraine Scouts to assist with local emergency response