Objective:
The NEXUS project aims to develop, test and disseminate an educational programme designed to empower youth workers so that they are able to engage young people — and especially young carers — in participatory research and policy consultation mechanisms. This supports the creation of evidence-based policies that respond to the real needs of young people.
Target Groups of the Project:
- Youth professionals: people working with or for young people (teachers, social workers, psychologists, etc.)
- Young carers: children, teenagers and young adults who care for a family member with long-term care needs.
- Researchers, policymakers and policy implementers: at local, national and European level.
Results:
The main outcome of the NEXUS project was the development and pilot implementation of a comprehensive training programme and methodologies that promote young people’s participation in research and the policy consultation process. At the same time, it contributed to improving the skills of professionals working with young people, enabling them to support young carers more effectively.
Specifically, the project’s deliverables include:
- A training programme for youth workers, covering topics such as:
Participatory research: methodology and the role of young people as ‘co-researchers’
Political mechanisms at European level and ways of active engagement
- MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) with free access for the widespread dissemination and use of the material
- A report on policy recommendations, based on the participation of all stakeholders and target groups
- Workshops using creative methods, which enhanced dialogue and participation
- Empowerment of young people to participate actively in political processes and be recognised as ‘experts by experience’
- Transnational cooperation to exchange good practices and strengthen the European dialogue in the youth sector
The above results make a significant contribution to bridging the gap between research, policy and practice in the youth sector.
Project Partners:
ANZIANI E NON SOLO SOCIETA COOPERATIVA SOCIALE (Italy – Coordinator)
K.S.D.E.O. EDRA
EUROCARERS – EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION WORKING WITH AND FOR NON-PROFESSIONAL CARERS (Belgium)
ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI RIPOSO E CURA PER ANZIANI INRCA (Italy)
