5 MINUTE READ
In today’s divisive world, it is all the more important that there are charities that work across conflict and political or religious lines. One of them is Beyond Conflict, a small charity offering mental health support for people impacted by war and conflict around the world. Started only eight years ago by renowned author Edna Fernandes (The Jews of Kerala, Holy Warriorsand The Hollow Kingdom and Professor Martin Parsons (Honorary Life Fellow at University of Reading and former Director of the Research Centre for Evacuee and War Child Studies), Beyond Conflict has already helped victims of war among the Rohingyas, in Ukraine and across borders in Gaza. A short film about their work, ECHOES OF HOPE, has just won the group award at Geographical Magazine’s Better World Awards 2026 – showcasing their vital work to a wider audience than ever. Long time supporter of Beyond Conflict, author Yang-May Ooi, celebrates this wonderful win.. Read on!
Healing Trauma across Divisions of Faith and Politics
I wrote in an earlier article about my support for Beyond Conflict, the mental health charity for those affected by war and conflict. I support their NON-PARTISAN work in the Gaza conflict, helping people in Israel and in Palestine – as well as among the Rohingyas and in Ukraine. They raise funds for and offer practical support to mental health organisations on the ground. Crucially, they work with their local partners to develop specific mental health programmes for children, young people, adults and also aid workers who have been affected by the trauma of war and conflict.
Beyond Conflict’s guiding principle can be summed up in this sentence: “There can be no lasting peace unless we address the long term psychological impact of war and conflict”. What more powerful goal could there be! And they do this one human being at a time, offering each person healing and support that can hopefully break the cycle of destruction and hatred.
I am thrilled that the film about Beyond Conflict’s work, ECHOES OF HOPE, has won the group prize by Geographical magazine’s Better World Awards 2025!
Watch ECHOES OF HOPE
If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it below. It’s about 20 minutes and very moving and inspiring.
In Beyond Conflict’s Own Words
I can do no better here than to hand you over to Beyond Conflict’s own words from their website (extract reproduced here with permission) …
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Geographical is one of the world’s most respected periodicals spotlighting the issues of our time: from climate change to the impact of conflict and migration upon countries and communities around the globe. It is the periodical for the Royal Geographical Society in London. RGS was founded in 1830 to advance geographical science through research, education, fieldwork and exhibitions.
Geographical said:
“From the ongoing devastation in Ukraine and Gaza to the erosion of democracy and the formidable challenge of the climate crisis, the global landscape in 2026 presents a significant challenge to optimism. But the winners of this year’s Geographical Better World Awards remind us that the antidote to despair can often be found in kindness and human connection…the Group Category winner shines a light on a systemic, yet often invisible, humanitarian crisis. The winning film, Echoes of Hope, documents the essential mission of the charity Beyond Conflict.”
Beyond Conflict Co-Founder and Executive Director, Edna Fernandes, said:
“Beyond Conflict thanks Geographical for this award. It’s an incredible honour to see our work recognised by Geographical. It is a tribute to our heroic partners around the world, from Gaza to Ukraine to Bangladesh and beyond, carrying out their work, often at great risk.
The Better World Award throws a vital spotlight on the need for mental health support for victims of war, terrorism and displacement. As the Charity marks its eighth anniversary, I cannot think of a better way to mark this milestone.”
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To read the full article, go to https://beyond-conflict.co.uk/mediahub/blog/beyond-conflict-wins-geographical-better-world-awards-2025/
You can find out more about Geographical Magazines Better World Awards, including ECHOES OF HOPE at https://geographical.co.uk/news/meet-the-winners-better-world-video-awards-2025
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Will You Support Healing Steps towards Lasting Peace?
I hope you will consider supporting Beyond Conflict’s work.
Please do have a browse at their website to find out more about their projects – and if you would like to, please donate to them or look at how else you can help, perhaps as a volunteer.
As a supporter of Beyond Conflict, you would be in good company – Yoko Ono is a fan!
Go to https://beyond-conflict.co.uk/
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Photos:
Beyond Conflict – https://beyond-conflict.co.uk/
Geographical Magazine – https://geographical.co.uk/articles/better-world-2025
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About
Yang-May Ooi is a cross-cultural advocate and author. Her creative work includes novels The Flame Tree and Mindgame and a family memoir & theatre performance Bound Feet Blues. She is also the creator of the podcasts Creative Conversations, The Anxiety Advantage and MetroWild.
Find out more at www.TigerSpirit.co.uk. You can also connect with Yang-May on social media – @TigerSpiritUK.
Belonging Across Cultures explores how we can move from difference to connection to create better lives and a better world. We celebrate Belonging through the different lenses of Food, Music, Landscape and more. Join other curious minds and subscribe to my newsletter here.
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