From September 26 to 28, the Donetsk Regional Youth Center conducted a specialized training titled "Trauma-Informed Youth Work" as part of the "Youth Worker" program.
The event brought together youth workers from the Donetsk region who work with young people daily and are developing professional approaches to working amidst prolonged stress and traumatic events.
The training aimed to enhance the professional competencies of youth workers and develop their skills in conducting educational and awareness-raising activities using a trauma-informed approach.
The training covered the following key topics:
* stress, traumatic stress, and traumatic events;
* youth rights and trauma-informed youth work;
* the "do no harm" principle and creating safe spaces;
* self-regulation and support techniques;
* psychological first aid;
* coping strategies and sources of support;
* trauma-informed youth work practices;
* community psychological support networks, as well as planning future actions and youth participation.
Significant attention was paid to the practical component. Youth workers analyzed real-life case studies, explored experiences from Ukraine and other countries, exchanged professional practices, and developed their own ideas and initiatives for working with young people in their respective organizations. The training served as a vital platform for professional development, the exchange of experience, and capacity building for youth workers in the Donetsk region. The knowledge and tools acquired will enable specialists to create safer, more supportive environments for young people and to address their needs through a trauma-informed approach.
The "Youth Worker" program is implemented by the All-Ukrainian Youth Center and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine.
The training was organized by the "Donetsk Regional Youth Center" municipal institution in collaboration with the Department of Family, Youth, and Mass Events for National-Patriotic Education of the Donetsk Regional State Administration.