The main goal of the TRUST project was to improve the quality of youth work through increasing the services which the participating organisations provide to their target groups which include marginalised youth with complex trauma backgrounds. The goal was expected to be achieved through capacity building which included tailored training of front-line professionals and the development of a common innovative trauma-sensitive working model for the benefit of marginalised youth suffering from complex trauma. This specific working model aimed to raise awareness, upgrade skills and knowledge and increase the competence of professionals (the direct target group) in identifying and confronting complex trauma and taking this into consideration while implementing the model when working with traumatised marginalised youth (the indirect target group). Participation in the tailor-made training had as result that professionals gained upgraded awareness and professional skills, knowledge in identifying and confronting traumatised youth, increasing their effectiveness and competence while implementing the trauma-sensitive working model in practice.
We applied for the TRUST project to address gaps in trauma-sensitive work for professionals working with youth affected by complex trauma. The brief needs assessment conducted while outlining the proposal, revealed that rehabilitation programs for people affected by complex trauma are lacking and that professionals also lack the specialised skills and resources to effectively support trauma survivors. The need for comprehensive training, accessible tools, and an improved understanding of trauma-sensitive approaches became increasingly evident. Based on the good results of the SÄRÖ trauma-sensitive working model which was developed by Silta in Finland, we wanted to present this model as a solution to address the detected needs. Through the TRUST project we aimed to further develop the SÄRÖ working model in order to create a model suitable for implementation in different settings. Our project aimed to enhance professionals' skills, provide innovative digital tools, and promote social inclusion for trauma survivors. By focusing on building professional capacity and awareness, we sought to create an empathetic and effective support system for those facing complex trauma across Europe.