The project aimed to develop and implement the ME-App to support unemployed adults in overcoming psycho-social obstacles and improving their employability. We first identified if and how they would use such an app, which features they needed, and which psycho-social obstacles they wanted to monitor. We also examined how adult educators in ALMP-Ps use mobile apps, including their needs, and the challenges and opportunities of integrating apps into the classroom. This resulted in 2 evaluation reports and an Educators’ Handbook. Based on these insights, we developed and tested a beta version of the ME-App, which was then piloted in the four training partner countries. This included training educators, collecting feedback from users (unemployed and educators), internally validation the app, and producing recommendations for further improvement. We delivered a fully functional ME-App in 6 languages, supported by an online platform and dissemination activities to share it with the wider public. All of this together contributed to improving adult learning and empowerment, and strengthening educators’ competences in addressing psycho-social obstacles and using digital tools.
We applied for this project to address a persistent gap identified in Active Labour Market Policy programmes (ALMP-Ps): unemployed adults face significant psycho-social obstacles that hinder their employability and labour market integration. These obstacles include challenges related to mental and physical health, stress, routines , and overall well-being(sleep). Evidence shows that such psycho-social obstacles are both causes and consequences of unemployment, yet existing support systems across Europe are insufficient to meet demand. Although ALMP-Ps aim to address these issues, there is a clear shortage of available services. Once programmes end, participants often lose structure and relapse into previous patterns, reducing their chances of long-term employment. To address these needs, we developed the Motivation & Empowerment App (ME-App), a digital tool tailored to unemployed adults. It supports users in tracking and addressing their psycho-social obstacles (empowerment) while sustaining engagement and behavioural change over time (motivation). The app provides continuous, accessible support, strengthening both individual outcomes and the effectiveness of adult education providers.