SocNet98 International University Week (IUW) 2026
Perspectives and Tools for Community Work and Promoting Agency

Welcome to Socnet98 International University
Week 2026 in Finland, Helsinki.
You can find programme below and more about workshops and field visits.
Programme
8:30 – 9:30 Registration in the lower lobby
9:30 – 10:45 IUW opening. Introduction of the Socnet98Helsinki team. Program for the week. Team-building program. Safety and principles of a safe space. Introduction to the facilities and general instructions.
BREAK
11:00-11:20 Online greetings with other Socnet98 IUWs.
11:20-12:20 Keynote speaker. Dr. Christian Spatchek
12:20-12:45 Discussion and Q & A.
12:45-14:15 LUNCH BREAK
14:15-16:15 Presentation of the week’s program. In-depth exploration of the theme and group work. Coffee, etc. Work in small groups and mixed groups. Discussion of the theme and content, questions, wishes, and needs for the week.
16:15-19:00 BREAK
19:00-21:00 Welcoming party.
8:30 – 9:30 Arrival to campus and opening for the day
9:30 – 10:30 WORKSHOPS
- 1. Homo Ludens - The Playing Human as a Concept and Approach to Meet New Challenges, Bas Stuurwold, Hanze University Groningen
- 2. The Resilience Café: A Social Innovation Tool to Foster Agency and Sustainable Community Work, Inga Henn, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer
- 4. Social Innovation Skills Lab: A Practice-Based Method for Exploring Social Challenges, Mari Falch-Pedersen and Gina Hosøy Thorbjørnsen, University of South-Eastern Norway Porsgrunn
- 5. Community Building through Community Music Julien Schwarz, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer
10:30 – 10:45 BREAK
10:45 – 11:45 WORKSHOPS continue…
11:45 – 12:00 BREAK
12:00 – 13:15 LUNCH BREAK
13:15 – 15:00 FIELD VISITS
- Loisto Setlementti, The Boys’ House (NGO)
Keywords: ngo, youth, youthwork, socialwork, gendersensitivity - Loisto Setlementti, The Girls’ House (NGO)
Keywords: ngo, youth, youthwork, socialwork, gendersensitivity - Sekasin kollektiivi, Sekasin-chat (NGO, Online work)
Keywords: ngo, online, youth, individualwork, loneliness, crisis
More info here (in Finnish)
15:00 – 17:00 Free time
17:00 – 19:00 Let’s go to HEL
19:00 – Free time
8:30 – 9:30 Arrival to campus and opening for the day
9:30 – 10:30 WORKSHOPS
- 3. The situation of homeless youth and young adults in Vienna
Pascal Laun, University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten. - 6. Perspectives and Tools for Community Work and Fostering Empowerment
Kalsoom Aisha Dad and Susanne Farina Shah-Nielsen, UCL University College, Odense - 11. Paths of barriers
Maria Domènech, Anna Currius, Maialen Beltran Arreche and Francisco Calvo Garcia,University of Girona
BREAK
10:45-11:45 WORKSHOPS
- 8. Bridging the Digital Gap. Social Work for an Inclusive Society
Helene Kletzl, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Linz - 12. Experiential Guided Imagery for Working with Groups of Young Adults and Adolescents
Ingrid Baloun, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice - 13. Recovery: Is Up to You
Vlasta Reznikova and Magda Dosbabova, College of Polytechnics Jihlava
11:45 – 12:00 BREAK
12:00 – 13:15 LUNCH BREAK
13:15 – 17:00 FIELD VISITS
PACKAGE 1.
- Finnish Red Cross, Youth Shelters, Leppävaara. More information.
- Helsinki City, Youth Services, Tiivistämö. More information.
PACKAGE 2.
- Helsinki City, Maunula House, Maunula. More information.
- Sininauhasäätiö - Blue Ribbon Foundation, Café Illusio, Vallila. More information.
PACKAGE 3.
- Kohtaus ry, Malmi. More information.
- Helsinki City, Game House Sture and Rainbow activities, Vallila. More information.
PACKAGE 4.
- Stoppi, Stop huumeille ry, Pasila. More information.
- Deaconess foundation, House of Hope, Herttoniemi. More information here and here.
PACKAGE 5.
- Deaconess foundation, Vamos, Vallila. More information.
- Helsinki Missio, Punavuori. More information.
17:00 – Free time or optional program for students
17:00 – 18:00 Free time for lecturers
18:00 – Lecturers dinner and program
8:30 – 9:30 Arrival to campus and opening for the day
9:30 – 10:30 WORKSHOPS
- 1. Homo Ludens - The Playing Human as a Concept and Approach to Meet New Challenges (2 h),
Bas Stuurwold, Hanze University Groningen - 6. Perspectives and Tools for Community Work and Fostering Empowerment
Kalsoom Aisha Dad and Susanne Farina Shah-Nielsen, UCL University College, Odense - 8. Bridging the Digital Gap. Social Work for an Inclusive Society
Helene Kletzl, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Linz - 14. The practical Application of Community Social Work Principles to Promote Social Cohesion and Empower Local Residents
Jana Stejskalová, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice
BREAK
10:45 – 11:45 WORKSHOPS
- 1. Homo Ludens - The Playing Human as a Concept and Approach to Meet New Challenges (2 h),
Bas Stuurwold, Hanze University Groningen - 7. Improving Mental Welfare Through Youth Work
Bart Loonbeek and students, UCLL University College Leuven Limburg - 11. Paths of Barriers
Maria Domènech, Anna Currius, Maialen Beltran Arreche and Francisco Calvo Garcia,University of Girona - 13. Recovery: Is Up to You
Vlasta Reznikova and Magda Dosbabova, College of Polytechnics Jihlava
11:45 – 12:00 BREAK
12:00 – 13:15 LUNCH BREAK
13:15 – 16:00 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES led by Adventure education group
16:00 – 18:00 Free time
18:00 – Fare well party
8:30 – 9:30 Arrival to campus and opening for the day
9:30 – 10:30 FEEDBACK AND ONLINE EVALUATION WITH PARTNERS
BREAK
10:45 – 11:45 DIPLOMAS
11:45 – 12:00 BREAK
12:00 – 13:15 LUNCH BREAK
13:15- Travelling back to home. Bye bye! We miss you.
OR
WHAT A GREAT IDEA! STAYING ONE EXTRA DAY IN HELSINKI. TRIPADVISORY: TAKE A CRUISE TO TALLINN!