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Focus on Trauma

2025-1-NL02-KA153-YOU-0002996732025Mobility of youth workersongoing
Countries: NL|UA|IT|AL|AM|BG|GE|XK|LT|MD|SI|ES|SE · Grant: €24,444
Physical and mental health, well-beingQuality and innovation of youth workNew learning and teaching methods and approaches

Objectives

The idea for this project was created during an Erasmus+ training in Kosovo in December 2024. A group of youth workers from Moldova, Ukraine, Albania, Italy and the Netherlands found each other based on shared professional interests and challenges. One question was central to their discussions: how can youth workers effectively support young people who are dealing with trauma? This question underlined the urgent need for a tailor-made training that not only provides theoretical knowledge, but also practical tools and strategies to deal with complex situations. The youth workers laid the foundation for this programme by developing a first concept during the Kosovo training, based on their experiences and the needs of the young people they support. The training focuses on trauma-sensitive approaches, Kolb’s experiential learning model, Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), and a strengths-based approach to coaching young people. Related issues such as substance abuse, gambling and gaming are also addressed, which often have a negative impact on the well-being of young people. By emphasizing the impact of trauma, the causes of addiction and the importance of a healthy lifestyle, we aim to contribute to stronger and more resilient communities. The ultimate goal of this training is to build bridges between young people, their families and the wider community, so that young people can recover and develop in a safe environment. A key strength of this training lies in the collaboration between experienced trainers and participating youth workers. The trainers provide expertise, while the youth workers make active contributions by delivering parts of the program. This exchange makes it possible to offer a practice-oriented program that directly connects to the reality of youth work. Through interactive workshops, practical exercises and peer-to-peer exchanges, participants are provided with new insights, tools and opportunities for reflection. This enables them to have a lasting positive impact on the young people they support. Trauma in young people can range from experiences of violence, loss, neglect and poverty to bullying. These events can have lasting emotional, social and cognitive consequences, often manifesting as anxiety, depression, anger or problems at school and in relationships. With the increasing complexity of these challenges in Europe, it is essential that youth workers understand the causes of trauma and how to support young people through it.

Project partners (13)