Around the globe, families and children face the consequences of crisis for a multitude of reasons including war, natural disaster, displacement, ill-health, poverty and the cost of living, to name but a few. The impact of crisis is far reaching and supporting those affected involves the expertise and dedication of researchers, policy makers, practitioners, charitable organisations and volunteers across numerous contexts.

This unique conference aims to bring together people working to support children and families affected by crisis at an international, national and local level and we welcome you to join us at the event whatever your interest. Students of associated disciplines are also welcome, representing the workforce of the future.

The morning session will comprise:

Keynote address

Professor Helen Dodd (University of Exeter)

“Play and children’s health, what we learned from the Covid-19 pandemic”

Invited presentations

Professor Jo McIntyre (University of Oxford & University of Nottingham)

“Art and creativity in the lives of refugee and asylum-seeking young people in the context of the UK and Sweden”

Drs. Shaila Ahmed, Shamma Tasnim (BRAC University) &

Justine Howard (British Academy Research Chair, Swansea University)

“Supporting displaced children and families in the context of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh”

Dr. Eileen Prendiville (Director of the Children’s Therapy Centre, Ireland)

“The Therapeutic Powers of Play: Supporting children through trauma and crisis”

The afternoon will celebrate national and local activities and comprise:

Opening Address

Marianne Mannello (Assistant Director of Play Wales)

Round table discussions

Chaired by Dr. Rhiannon Morgan (Swansea University)

- based on a variety of topics relevant to supporting those facing crisis within the community, including, for example, health, social care and educational contexts.

A poster and promotional display

- showcasing a diverse range of initiatives, organisations and activities where we will also be joined by award winning researcher and film maker, Dr. Eithne Nightingale, screening a selection of her Child Migrant Stories’ series, from which the title “Ugwumpiti”, was nominated for AHRC Research Film of the Year, presented at BAFTA.

This full-day conference is free to attend, with lunch and refreshments included. Places are limited however, and so please register your attendance via the Eventbrite link as soon as possible.

*If you already have a place reserved then there is no need to register again, however, please do circulate the invitation to others you feel might be interested*

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a most interesting and valuable event.

Pay and display parking is available at the East burrows carpark, East Burrows Road, Swansea SA1 1RP

Supporting Children and Families Facing Crisis