CHAMP Project Held Its First Seminar in Stockholm
On 31 January 2026, the CHAMP project organised its first seminar and training workshop in Stockholm. The seminar brought together professionals and volunteers from Finland and Sweden who work with chat-based support services, creating an important space for shared learning, dialogue, and cross-organisational exchange.
The seminar was hosted at the Swedish Red Cross Youth Organisation and gathered around 30 participants, including chat staff from Luckan, volunteers from the Swedish Red Cross, and external chat coordinators and managers. Bringing together different roles and organisations was a key objective of the day, reflecting CHAMP’s focus on collaboration and competence development in digital support work.
The programme started with a joint lunch, followed by a short introduction to the CHAMP project and the aims of the seminar. The first interactive session was a workshop focused on the upcoming CHAMP handbook for chat personnel. Rather than presenting a finished product, the workshop invited participants to contribute their expertise, experiences, and practical insights. The discussions and reflections gathered during this session will directly inform the development of the handbook, ensuring that it is grounded in real-life chat work and the needs of those using it.
The afternoon continued with a lecture on validating communication, led by psychologist Jonas Wallander. The session provided both theoretical perspectives and practical examples of how validation can strengthen trust and safety in conversations. Many participants highlighted the relevance of this topic for their everyday work in chat-based support settings.
After a networking coffee break, the day concluded with a lecture by SHEDO, focusing on competence-building knowledge related to self-harm behaviours. The session offered valuable insights and tools for meeting people in vulnerable situations, a topic highly relevant for chat personnel and volunteers.
Overall, the seminar was characterised by active participation, open dialogue, and a strong sense of shared commitment. The organisers would like to thank all participants for their engagement and valuable contributions. The insights gathered during the day will play an important role in the continued development of the CHAMP project and its future activities.
This seminar marked an important first step for CHAMP, and we look forward to continuing the work together across organisations and borders.
/ Louise Mannil, project manager, CHAMP
