Students from Mid Sweden University participated in international Erasmus+ programme on trauma and media

On 6–11 April, students and teachers at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität in Mainz gathered within the framework of a so-called Blended Intensive Programme (BiP), funded by the EU. The programme, with the theme "Journalism and Social Work: Trauma-sensitive Media Work", has been preceded by digital seminars where students from different countries and programmes have worked together in groups.

From Mid Sweden University, teachers Angelika Kaffrell-Lindahl and Carina Thörn participated together with 13 students from the social work programme.

Focus on social work, journalism and trauma

During the week in Mainz, the students participated in an intensive program of lectures, workshops, film screenings and theater performances – all focusing on how professional roles in social work and journalism meet in the work with people who have experienced trauma. A central part of the programme is to develop an understanding of each other's perspectives, methods and ethical considerations.

As part of the course, the students have also produced joint journalistic podcasts, where they delve into the theme and make the content accessible to a wider audience.

Recurring program for five years

The program is planned to be carried out annually for the next five years, with up to 15 students from Mid Sweden University each year, with the next meeting planned for spring 2027 and will rotate between the participating universities.

The BiP is a collaboration between Mid Sweden University, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Linnaeus University, Hochschule Campus Vienna and Dublin City University. Students from a Swiss university also participated in this year's program.