In the construction of sustainable and transferable strategies supporting highly vulnerable young people (HVYP) in international mobility projects, knowledge and collaboration play a crucial role. Youth workers, NGOs, and professionals across Europe continuously seek new methodologies to create safer and more inclusive environments for young people facing significant barriers. 
For this reason, within the framework of the LADDER project, an Experience-Sharing workshop was organised. Hosted in Galbiate, Italy, from 8th to 13th February 2025, it provided a dynamic platform where youth workers from the consortium organisations and their local networks came together to exchange field-based knowledge, share best practices and non-formal learning methodologies, and develop new strategies to support HVYP.
Building Bridges Through the Exchange of Knowledge
In line with the mission of the LADDER project, which emphasises empowering professionals to make international mobility programmes accessible for HVYP, this unique workshop was designed to highlight the experience of the individual organisations and youth workers involved. Supported by two experienced facilitators and building on the long-standing expertise of the partner organisations, the event encouraged an in-depth exploration of topics such as:
- Solution-Focused Approach – Participants experienced a solution-f
ocused conversation and learned about the history of the approach. - Trauma-Informed Approach – Youth workers gained insight into the impact of stress, complex and developmental traumas.
- Working with Young Migrants – Discussions focused on intercultural dialogue and identifying the needs of young migrants, using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
- Violence Prevention – Through non-formal activities, participants explored different forms of violence and their key characteristics.
- Grooming Prevention – A Latvian short film on grooming facilitated discussions on identifying and preventing abusive behaviours in mobility projects.
- Psychological First Aid – Participants explored the five elements of psychological first aid (PFA): safety, calming, self-efficacy, connection, and hope, working on specific case studies to refine immediate response techniques.
- Risk Management – Key risk-management domains were introduced, including participants, staff, activities, equipment, culture, subcontractors, administration, and transportation, with participants sharing their personal experiences.
- Safeguarding Guidelines – Organisations reviewed their own policies based on core safeguarding principles, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Additionally, participants visited Les Cultures, a local organisation in Lecco working with migrants for over 30 years, to gain insight into local realities. Open space sessions provided further opportunities to explore specific topics in depth.
Key Outcomes: Setting the Basis for Future Actions
The workshop laid the groundwork for several key outputs and activities within the LADDER project:
- A General Risk-Management Strategy for Youth Exchanges – Developed based on workshop insights, this document offers guidelines to enhance safety when working with HVYP in mobility projects and will be included in the forthcoming LADDER Handbook.
- Draft Table of Contents for the Handbook – Participants identified priority topics and structured them into a comprehensive framework, highlighting areas of greatest interest to youth workers.
- Draft Activity Programme for the Youth Exchange ‘Find Your Voice Through Creativity’ – Facilitators for the youth exchange, scheduled to take place in Galbiate from 10th to 17th March 2025, used the workshop insights to refine the timetable and develop a risk-management strategy.
Through collaboration, reflection, and skill-building, the workshop also resulted in several transformative personal and professional outcomes:
- Increased Confidence Among Participants – Youth workers left with a stronger belief in their ability to engage and support marginalised youth.
- Enhanced Cultural and Behavioural Sensitivity – The workshop fostered a deeper understanding and empathy, helping professionals to respect and accommodate the diverse backgrounds of young people.
- Practical Tools for Working in Challenging Situations – Participants gained hands-on experience with conflict resolution and crisis management techniques.
“For me, it was fantastic to experience this week how professionals talked freely with each other about important professional topics – in workshops and afterwards during breaks. Being able to share my opinions and experiences with people who have similar but slightly different experiences was invaluable. We had the space to talk about how we can create an even better youth club together, what we can improve on and where we can find the knowledge.” – Moni, Hungary
Looking Ahead: The Power of Collective Learning
The experience-sharing workshop was not just a one-time event but a stepping stone towards a more inclusive and supportive network for youth professionals. By integrating the insights gained into the LADDER to Inclusion framework, participants will continue refining methodologies that make international mobility programmes and youth work more accessible.
Are you a youth worker or organisation eager to expand your knowledge and collaborate on best practices for supporting highly vulnerable young people?
Then feel free to contact us. The LADDER to Inclusion project is open to other organisations as associate partners. Please drop us a line at [email protected] and let’s collaborate.
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