Summary

The Local Action Group (LAG) Römerland Carnuntum, in Eastern Austria has a long tradition of developing and testing novel solutions through pilot projects and then creating sustainable support structures. This approach has been successfully applied to youth work. 

Young people are actively involved in decision-making processes as early as possible. This begins with offers that the LAG implements together with young people in the regional youth centres. In addition, the youth workers involved in “mobile youth work” are on the move in public spaces and can respond to the needs and interests of young people there. Other activities organised by the LAG include networking and coordination meetings, a regional job and youth information fair, discussions with parents, and a regional youth festival.

 

Results

Thanks to the project, counselling and support services for young people are available in all municipalities (online, mobile youth work, in youth centres). Mobile youth workers are active in all larger municipalities of the region.

A permanent team of 12 youth workers has been built up in the region. The team receives training on a regular basis and, in addition, the youth workers support each other through regular supervision and peer counselling.

Increasing participation: the number of young people participating in youth work activities is increasing every year. The use of counselling services by young people, parents and schools has increased significantly.