Topics

Community building
Democracy
Education and training of youth workers
European programmes
Inclusion and diversity
Innovation and trends
Leadership
Mental health
Non-formal learning - education
Participation and civic engagement
Rural communities
Social inclusion
Youth policy

Activity objectives

The conference will focus on strengthening youth participation, inclusion, and engagement, and will explore how youth work contributes to the development of communities where young people can actively live, stay, and contribute.
It will:
• Address both policy and practice dimensions of European youth work
• Contribute to implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda (EYWA) and EU Youth Strategy
• Support dialogue between youth workers, policymakers, researchers, and young people
• Prepare stakeholders for future developments, including Erasmus+ post 2027

Description

Access to safe, welcoming youth spaces is essential for the development and wellbeing of young people. However, recent research shows that many young people continue to face challenges in feeling safe, heard, and included in their communities. 

Irelands EU Presidency aims to promote safe spaces for young people, further strengthen youth participation, inclusion and engagement across Europe, reflecting its ongoing commitment to empowering young people as active citizens.

Building on this as part of the EU presidency, Léargas, in partnership with the Department of Education and Youth and other stakeholders, will be hosting a European youth work conference to further develop and discuss the key themes of “Reinforcing the importance of safe, accessible physical youth spaces for young people to come together, engage and connect”. This two-day event will examine through a policy and practice lens how we create safe spaces, both outside and inside, in our communities for young people. It will aim to demonstrate how youth work and other participatory methodologies and practices help and play a role that encourages thinking about taking whole city/town approaches where: 

  • Young people are key partners in decisions that impact them and their communities
  • Policies that support their lives as young people   
  • Towns and Cities that actively try to keep and attract young people, encompassing a plan for all citizens, with a focus on improving the infrastructure and opportunities for young people, encouraging them to remain in their communities. 
  • Design thinking is embedded across society to improve quality of life and participation for and with young people.  

Ultimately, it’s about creating spaces in communities where young people want to live, stay, and contribute.  

Costs

Coverage of participation fee

This project is financed by the participating National Agencies (NAs) of the Erasmus+ Youth in Action Programme. The participation fee varies from country to country. Participants may be asked to contribute a €65 fee, which usually covers their participation.

Coverage of travel costs

Please contact your NA or SALTO in order to know whether they would support your travel costs. If yes, after being selected, get in touch with your NA or to learn more about the overall procedure to arrange the booking of your travel tickets and the reimbursement of your travel expenses.

Coverage of visa costs

The hosting organisation does not provide visa sponsorship; however, if selected, supporting documentation confirming participation can be provided. Visa costs may be reimbursed depending on the event and agreement in place, so please contact your National Agency or SALTO to confirm eligibility and to receive guidance on travel booking and reimbursement procedures.

Coverage of other costs

Unless specified otherwise, the hosting NA of this offer will organise the accommodation and covers the costs for accommodation and food.

Application requirements

Application requirements
As with similar events this conference aims to create a learning community of practice, where participants can exchange knowledge and inspire each other through real-life examples.
We invite stakeholders across Ireland and Europe to submit practices, projects, and initiatives that demonstrate how youth work contributes to creating safe, inclusive and meaningful physical spaces for young people.
Selected practices will be featured through:
- Workshops
- Interactive sessions
- Practice showcases
- Contributions to the conference publication

We welcome submissions from organisations who are currently active in the field of youthwork:
- Youth workers and youth organisations
- Local authorities and municipalities
- Policymakers and public bodies
- Researchers and educators
- Volunteers and youth leaders
- Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps beneficiaries

Themes for Practice Submissions

We invite submissions addressing one or more of the following themes:

1: Creating Safe and Inclusive Youth Spaces
2: Youth Participation and Co-Creation
3: Whole Community / City Approaches
4: Youth Work Practice and Innovation
5: Tackling Barriers to Inclusion
6: European Dimension and Mobility
7: Youth Wellbeing and Belonging
8: Digital and Hybrid Spaces
(See further information in Call Document)


Trainers

Accessibility info

This activity and venue place are accessible to people with disabilities

Sign language interpretation

This activity and venue place support sign language

Number of participants

60

Open to participants from

Erasmus +, All Erasmus+ Programme countries, Austria, Belgium, Belgium, Flemish Community, Belgium, French Community, Belgium, German-speaking Community, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, Norway, European Solidarity Corps, European Solidarity Corps Programme countries, Austria, Belgium, Belgium, Flemish Community, Belgium, French Community, Belgium, German-speaking Community, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, Western Balkans (European Solidarity Corps), Serbia, Norway

Best for

Experts, Municipalities, NA staff, NA-Heads of NAs, NA-Inclusion officers, Organisations - NGOs - Institutions - Companies, Policy makers, Youth leaders, Youth workers

Working language(s)

English

Organiser

Léargas the Exchange Bureau (National Agency)

Coorganiser

Léargas the Exchange Bureau (National Agency)

Contact for questions

Organised by

Léargas the Exchange Bureau (National Agency)

Coorganised by

Léargas the Exchange Bureau (National Agency)

Organiser’s other training offers

Mon, May 25 2026
Application deadline (24h UTC):
Study visit
, Ireland
Tue, Nov 3 2026
Application deadline (24h UTC):
Conference - symposium - forum
Dublin
, Ireland
Blended learning, Cooperation with EU's neighbouring regions, European programmes, Non-formal learning - education, Recognition - certification, Solidarity, Volunteering, Youth policy
Sun, May 10 2026
Application deadline (24h UTC):
Conference - symposium - forum
Dublin
, Ireland
Sun, May 10 2026
Application deadline (24h UTC):
Conference - symposium - forum
Dublin
, Ireland
Sun, May 10 2026
Application deadline (24h UTC):
Conference - symposium - forum
Dublin
, Ireland
Mon, Jun 15 2026
Application deadline (24h UTC):
Long-term Activity (LTA/SNAC)
, Ireland
Intercultural learning, Participation and civic engagement, Voluntary service, Volunteering, Youth policy
Wed, Dec 2 2026
Application deadline (24h UTC):
Study visit
, Ireland
Community building, Rural communities, Solidarity, Voluntary service, Volunteering, Youth policy