The main objective was to empower young people in challenging life situations, such as NEETs or those facing mental health and social inclusion challenges, to move forward in their lives. The project aimed to develop and implement the Empowering Communities approach—a model for creating inclusive, supportive communities where young people can engage in meaningful activities, develop social skills, and build confidence. Key goals included producing a handbook detailing the model, conducting a needs analysis, and organizing training sessions for both youth workers and young participants. These sessions focused on fostering peer-support skills, enabling young people to take an active role in their communities, and equipping professionals with practical tools to enhance inclusion and mental well-being. The project also aimed to strengthen the capacity of youth workers by providing methods for building community and supporting young people effectively. By testing and refining the model in real-life settings, the project sought to create a scalable solution to promote the inclusion, well-being, and civic engagement of marginalized youth, while improving the quality and innovation of youth work.
The project was initiated to address challenges faced by young people, especially NEETs and those struggling with mental health, social exclusion, and loneliness. The goal was to develop an innovative, community-based approach, Empowering Communities, to promote inclusion, mental well-being, and life skills. Current support systems often lacked holistic solutions for these complex issues, and the project aimed to fill this gap by combining the expertise of all partners. The project addressed the increasing isolation, societal pressures, and mental health challenges that young people face, often exacerbated by social media and economic instability. It provided safe, empowering spaces where youth could build confidence, learn skills, and actively participate in meaningful activities. Targeting young people in difficult life situations and youth workers needing new tools, the project focused on creating inclusive communities with peer support and professional guidance. By empowering young people to take charge of their lives, it aimed to foster their social inclusion and future opportunities.