Nordplus short-term mobility programme on a trauma-informed approach held at TAMK in Finland
From 21 to 23 September, a short-term mobility programme within the Nordplus project ‘Promotion of Transprofessional Trauma-Informed Approach’ took place at Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), Finland. The programme was attended by Ilona Kupčikienė, lecturer in the Social Work study programme at the Faculty of Arts and Education, and Agnė Žukauskaitė, lecturer in the Physiotherapy study programme at the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as students Siga Karabulut and Eglė Grušaitė.
The Nordplus project ‘Promotion of Transprofessional Trauma-Informed Approach’ aims to introduce students to a holistic and empathy-based trauma-informed approach, help them develop a better understanding of the impact of traumatic experiences on individuals, and strengthen critical thinking, responsibility, empathy and the ability to collaborate.
During the three-day programme, participants explored the trauma-informed approach, interprofessional collaboration and the sharing of practical experiences. Lectures, discussions and practical activities were organised together with project partners from Finland and Denmark.
Participants visited the violence prevention and support unit of Setlementti Tampere and the Refugee Psychiatry Clinic. The visits provided an opportunity to learn about support practices used in Finland, the work of professionals and the importance of interprofessional collaboration when working with vulnerable groups.
The programme also included a practical session in Pyynikki Forest, where participants took part in body and mindfulness exercises and discussed the links between theenvironment and emotional well-being. This experience encouraged participants to look at traumatic experiences from a broader perspective, taking into account the individual, their environment and the community, while also providing an opportunity to explore methods that can be applied in professional practice.
The mobility programme provided Kauno kolegija students and lecturers with an opportunity to expand their professional and intercultural competences, gain insights into Finnish practice and strengthen international connections. The knowledge and experience gained will contribute to integrating a trauma-informed approach into the study process and the education and training of future professionals.
Cooperation with the international project partners is expected to continue, with a focus on further exploring the application of a trauma-informed approach inprofessional practice. Plans include preparing new joint project applications, organising international activities and sharing good practice. Continued cooperation will create further opportunities to develop the competences of students and lecturers and strengthen the international cooperation network.
This mobility programme marks another step towards strengthening cooperation between Kauno kolegija and Tampere University of Applied Sciences. Both higher education institutions are partners in the European Universities Alliance UNINOVIS – Data for L.I.F.E., which aims to jointly advance education, research and innovation.