The Core Connect project set out to offer new experiences for young people and to support them to see what they are capable of as they transition into young adults. We wanted to provide a supportive space for young people to develop new skills and work as a group to plan their interrailing trip, specifically supporting this group who experience social, economic and cultural disadvantages. The objectives of this project were: -Young people are offered new opportunities and experiences From this project we wanted young people to embark on new challenges to push and challenges themselves out of their comfort zones. From these new opportunities, we hoped that young people in term would be more open, understanding and empathetic as they met other young people and got the opportunity to travel. -Young people develop leadership skills Throughout the process of this project, one of the key aims focused on ensuring we were equipping young people with transferable leadership skills for other parts of their lives. We wanted to support young people to develop skills in communicating, making decisions, time management and creativity. -Young people develop confidence and agency A key element of this project was that young people felt empowered to make decisions in their own lives from taking part in this project. Our aim was that young people developed the confidence to try new things as for many in the group this was the first time being away from Ireland. Additionally, we wanted to focus on their confidence to challenge racism and discrimination. -Young people develop practical skills For young people taking part in this project, we wanted to focus on upskilling them with practical life skills. As part of this, we wanted young people to develop skills in budgeting, planning, working as a team, organizational skills and social skills. -Young people develop their creativity and imagination We aimed that young people as part of this project would develop their creativity skills to deal with challenging situations and to think differently in how to deal with problems. Additionally, to encourage use of their creativity as they think about their next life steps and what’s possible for them.