On the face of it, the imminent addition of 10 countries to the European Union (EU) is far removed from the world of day-to-day youth work. But the arrival of countries like Poland and Hungary in the EU next May is going to have a noticeable impact on UK youth projects.
This is because the expansion of the union will probably signal the end of the work of the European Social Fund (ESF) in the UK (see YPN, 15-21 October, p2). Theoretically, the fund focuses on improving workforce skills, but it also supports many youth projects.
In the past three years alone, it has pumped tens of millions into projects for 13- to 19-year-olds. On Merseyside, for example, it has bankrolled a detached youth work scheme for 400 young people. In Northumbria, a 30,000 grant is helping The Outdoor Trust use activities like rock climbing to develop the skills of local teenagers at risk of exclusion from school.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
