Project Overview
The TRUST project, co-funded by the European Union under Erasmus+ KA220-ADU (Cooperation Partnerships in Adult Education), highlights the healing power of art therapy. It focuses on the mental health challenges of refugees and war-affected individuals and aims to foster peace, solidarity, and inclusion across Europe.
Project Acronym - TRUST:
- T – Trauma
- R – Refugees
- U – Ukraine
- S – Solidarity
- T – Therapy
Coordinator:
- Centre Neuro Psychiatrique Saint-Martin (Belgium, Dave)
Consortium Partners:
- National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” (Ukraine, Poltava)
- EPIONI - Greek Carers Network (Greece, Athens)
- Associação Europlural Project (Portugal, Braga)
- LEKAMA Foundation (Luxembourg, Roeser)
- Fondazione Internazionale Don Luigi Di Liegro ONLUS (Italy, Rome)
Objectives and Implementation
The TRUST project aims to:
- Promote awareness of the human impact of war and its associated trauma.
- Provide art therapy tools and educational resources to mental health professionals, educators, and caregivers.
- Destigmatize mental health issues through public events, performances, and community initiatives.
- Foster connections between artists, mental health centers, and war-affected individuals.
Key Activities Include:
- Organizing cultural events and public art therapy performances.
- Developing digital educational tools, including a website, MOOC, videos, e-book, and documentaries.
- Implementing mobility programs across partner countries, with active engagement in Ukraine.
Expected Results
Through this collaboration, the TRUST project will:
- Raise awareness about the therapeutic benefits of art therapy.
- Build competencies for adult educators and mental health practitioners.
- Promote the EU values of peace, inclusivity, and cultural diversity.
- Showcase the resilience of Ukraine’s war victims while providing them with tools for healing and empowerment.
Meeting Highlights
The two-day event combined insightful presentations, strategy discussions, cultural immersion, and team-building sessions.
The National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” was presented by the International Relations Coordinator – PhD, associate professor of the Germanic Philology and Translation Department Anna Pavelieva and the Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Psychology and Pedagogy – PhD, associate professor Anna Ageicheva.
Day 1 – Setting the Stage for Collaboration
The opening day started with a warm welcome, a self-introduction by each participant, a sharing of their life story, and presentations by Ukrainian partners from the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic.” Their “Main Facts About Ukraine” session covered the country’s history, geography, economy, cultural traditions, and the devastating impact of the ongoing war. These personal and professional reflections provided a powerful context for understanding the need for trauma support and art therapy initiatives.
Following this, João Alves, representing the Associação Europlural Project, delivered a profound session on “Understanding War Trauma.” His presentation explored:
- The psychological and social dynamics of war trauma, including psychic vulnerability and interpersonal betrayal.
- Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) theory illustrates how prolonged stress impacts mental and physical health through three stages: Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.
- Concepts like cumulative, developmental, and intergenerational trauma, emphasising the importance of social contexts in understanding and addressing war trauma.
Caroline Thirion, a journalist, followed with a moving testimony. She shared her observations on the mental health problem in Ukraine, deepening the consortium's understanding of the human cost of conflict.
The day ended with an open discussion session and a networking dinner, fostering stronger connections between partners.
Day 2 – Collaboration and Planning for Impact
Day two began with a cultural walking tour of Luxembourg City, offering participants a glimpse into the hosting country's history, culture, and architecture.
The formal agenda resumed with critical discussions, including:
- Project Timelines and Milestones – A detailed review of the project’s Gantt Chart and proposed work packages (WP).
- Work Package (WP) Presentations – Each partner outlined their specific responsibilities and contributions to ensure successful project outcomes:
- The Centre Neuro Psychiatrique Saint-Martin coordinated WP leadership.
- LEKAMA Foundation presented plans for managing contributions from all consortium members.
- Focus areas included financial management, communication strategies, and sustainable project implementation.
- Communication Rules – Guidelines for internal and external project communication, including platforms, reporting mechanisms, and dissemination strategies, were established.
Several Q&A sessions allowed participants to clarify doubts, share ideas, and collectively refine project strategies.
The meeting concluded with remarks on the importance of collaboration, solidarity, and the shared commitment to achieving the project’s goals.
Looking Ahead
The TRUST kick-off meeting marked a significant step in implementing this innovative project. With partners aligned on goals and strategies, the consortium is prepared to bring the healing power of art therapy to trauma-affected communities.
Special thanks to LEKAMA Foundation for hosting this successful event, and to all consortium members for their dedication and expertise. Together, we are building a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient Europe.
Stay tuned for updates as the TRUST project continues its journey to empower individuals through art, solidarity, and education!
Read more at the TRUST website and SoMe: Fb, Insta, LI.
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