PASS PROJECT (ERASMUS+ K-154) /

PASS PROJECT ERASMUS+ K-154

PASS (Participatory Symposium Addressing Secondary Trauma After Earthquake) Project – 2025

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Hosted by Ibn Haldun University and supported by the European Union within the scope of the Erasmus+ KA-154 program, the PASS (Participatory Symposium Addressing Secondary Trauma After Earthquake) Project organized a workshop themed “Secondary Trauma and Resilience” on July 6–8, 2025. Coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burcu Uysal, this project (Project No: 2024-3-TR01-KA154-YOU-000285471) was carried out under the leadership of IPAM (Psychotherapy Application and Research Center) in partnership with Hasan Kalyoncu University and the Trauma and Resilience Laboratory.

THE FIRST WORKSHOP IN ISTANBUL

The workshop, held at Ibn Haldun University’s Başakşehir Campus, brought together teachers, healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers who had been active in the field following the February 6 earthquakes. Participants shared their experiences, examined the phenomenon of secondary trauma from multiple perspectives, and generated observations, recommendations, and solution-oriented outcomes for the development of psychosocial support mechanisms. The PASS Project aims to highlight the mental health needs of individuals working in disaster-affected areas, strengthen resilience, and foster social awareness.

Moments from the sessions in Istanbul

THE SECOND WORKSHOP IN ANKARA

In the second stage of the project, policy makers were engaged in a follow-up workshop hosted by Ankara Social Sciences University. At this second workshop, which took place in September, findings from the first workshop were presented to decision-makers and senior administrators. At this stage, the goal was to ensure that the experiences of volunteers and professionals working in the field were communicated to the relevant institutions. Within this framework, stakeholders discussed potential solutions to improve the post-disaster response process.

Moments from the sessions in Ankara

FROM FINDINGS TO BOOKLET

The insights and experiences gathered from the workshops will be compiled into a booklet. This booklet will include the fieldworkers’ experiences, possible solution proposals, the solutions presented by decision-makers, explanations of what secondary trauma entails, and practical recommendations. The booklet will then be shared with relevant institutions and units such as NGOs, schools, and hospitals.

Moments from the focus group sessions in Ankara with decision-makers

OUR GOAL

The main goal of the project is to better understand the experiences in the field following the February 6 earthquakes and to develop solution-oriented approaches for improving these experiences. To this end, findings obtained from the workshop—which brought together participants from diverse professional backgrounds such as healthcare workers, teachers, and volunteers—will be conveyed to senior decision-makers.

Workshop 1 – Istanbul

Date: July 6–8, 2025 · Location: Ibn Haldun University, Başakşehir Campus · Focus: Secondary Trauma and Resilience · Teachers, healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers
Workshop 2 – Ankara

Date: September 10, 2025 · Location: Ankara Social Sciences University · Focus: Policy dialogue with decision-makers and senior administrators
Booklet

A booklet is currently being prepared by the team.