Introduction
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) advocates for the best interests of children. We aim to do so without engaging in political commentary or judgement.
As a College, we know that our members want to support the health and well-being of children and young people, in whatever way they can.
We have put together this page with resources and links that RCPCH members may wish to read, use and take forward. We have aimed to identify a range of resources which will be useful to paediatricians. RCPCH is not responsible for these organisations and this signposting resource is therefore not intended to be viewed necessarily as endorsement. The RCPCH remain committed to listening and learning, and this page will be reviewed regularly, and additional links may be added in due course.
RCPCH action
Statement responding to the deteriorating situation in the region: Following initial reports of escalating violence, we put together a statement on 20 October 2023.
Political action: We have written to the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Secretary of State, James Cleverly, calling on the UK to use their diplomatic channels to call for the prioritisation and protection of children and young people whoever they are and wherever they may be in this conflict.
Statements from other paediatric organisations
Across the world, paediatric organisations are raising their concerns about the Middle East crisis, including:
- European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians (ECPCP)
- International Pediatric Association (IPA)
- International Child Health Group (ICHG)
Action you may wish to take
Making a donation
Donating through established and well-coordinated emergency response appeal mechanisms is an effective way to support people.
- Action Aid - Gaza Crisis Appeal
- British Red Cross - Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal
- Disasters/Emergency Committee (DEC)
- Jewish Leadership Council - resources with information and charities working in Israel
- Magden David Adom - collecting for medical equipment in Israel
- Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
- Save the Children - Gaza Emergency Appeal
- Solutions Not Sides
- UNICEF - Children in Gaza Crisis Appeal
- UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) - Gaza Emergency Appeal
Highlighting your own views
Writing to your MP: You may wish to write to your MP to express your views. You can find who your current MP is and their email address.
Support on looking after yourself during times of difficulty
Hate crimes
Recent news reports show that people are experiencing hate crimes in different parts of the UK relating to the crisis in Israel Palestine.
A hate crime, as outlined by the Government, can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and damage to property.
Should you be subjected to an act of hate crime you can report this online or call 101 to speak to the police. Call 999 if you’re reporting a crime that’s in progress or if someone is in immediate danger. Witnesses can also report a hate crime.
There are several national organisations that offer support to victims of hate crime. They provide services such as helplines, guidance, confidential safety advice and training. Some may be able to report a hate crime on a victim’s behalf.
Maintaining your health and wellbeing
Your wellbeing is an absolute priority. Remember you can find out more on our wellbeing pages, and below there are a range of links to help you manage your own health and wellbeing.
England: NHS England has made available a range of support services available to help you manage your own health and wellbeing. This web page outlines ‘support now’, ‘health and wellbeing programmes’ and ‘how-to guides’.
Wales: The CALL (Community Advice & Listening Line) Mental Health helpline is available 24 hours a day to listen and provide support. Call 0800 132737 or text ‘Help’ to 81066. For urgent mental health support call NHS 111 and press option 2, this is a free 24 hour line that anyone can use, in English or in Welsh. Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has launched a wellbeing site and resources for health professionals.
Northern Ireland: You may wish to have a look at Northern Ireland’s Minding your head list of resources, which gives a directory of mental health support locally to you. Similarly HSCNI produces a localised list of mental health and wellbeing services within each health and social care trust area.
Scotland: NHS 24 has a range of support services for health professionals and their families, covering mental health and wellbeing - this includes an app, CBT programmes and other tools. You may also wish to have a look at Breathing Space which has a 24 hour free helpline on 0800 83 85 87.
Clinical support and guidance
Working in fragile and conflict-affected states - As a College, we have a mandate in our mission statement to support improving child health in the UK and around the world. RCPCH Global’s strategic plan includes explicit commitment to work in the poorest countries. Many low-income countries are also classified as ‘fragile and/or conflict-affected’. Our position may be helpful to read. You can read more about our global child health programmes.
Rights of migrant, refugee, stateless and undocumented children - our position (2019) – Our noting that as outlined in the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has the right to voice, protection, health and education. We urge all states to recognise and realise their obligation to children's access to healthcare.