A trauma-informed approach focuses on how trauma can affect a person’s life, emotional well-being, behaviour, and ability to relate to the environment. This approach recognises that various traumatic experiences can have long-term effects on an individual’s physical and mental health, and therefore it is important to create a safe, supportive environment that fosters trust and respect. This approach is applied across the spectrum of services – from prevention to treatment – ​​to ensure that care is trauma-sensitive, avoids additional harmful effects, and promotes the development of the person’s strengths.

The aim of the Nordplus project Promotion of transprofessional trauma-informed approach No. NPHE-2024/10241 is to introduce students to this holistic and empathetic approach, helping them to better understand the impact of trauma and its consequences in various areas of life. It also aims to develop critical thinking, increase a sense of responsibility and empathy, promote collaboration and conscious engagement in creating positive change both in professional activities and in society at large.

On 22–23 September, a meeting of project participants was held in Kaunas, attended by students and lecturers from Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution, Copenhagen University College (Denmark) and TAMK UAS (Finland). Kauno kolegija was represented by students and lecturers of the Social Work study programme of the Faculty of Arts and Education, Povilas Beseckas and Ilona Kupčikienė. During the visit, they got acquainted with the practice of canitherapy in Lithuania, the specifics of the activities of the family support centre ‘Darnūs namai’ and the child welfare centre ‘Pastogė’, discussed the results of the research carried out on the implemented project and prepared a new application. In addition, the participants of the meeting had the opportunity to get to know artistic expression by participating in a cultural programme at the Kauno kolegija Academy of Arts, led by Vilius Paulauskas, a student of Object Art, and at the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum.

The activities of this project not only contribute to the strengthening of students’ professional competencies, but also promote international cooperation and exchange of experience in the fields of social work, healthcare and education. Participation in the project provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the principles of a trauma-sensitive approach, apply them in practice and develop the skills to create a safe and supportive environment in various professional situations. It is expected that these experiences will eventually contribute to the provision of better quality services and greater assurance of public welfare.