The new platform youthcentres.eu is online and offers a central point of contact for open youth work in Europe. It brings together resources, research and tried-and-tested tools for professionals, students and anyone working with young people – free to find, download and use. The Red Tree Berlin took the initiative and coordinates the platform together with partner organisations; it is published by the Red Tree Berlin, co-financed by Erasmus .

For many years, the Red Tree has also been implementing “Strategic Partnerships” within the framework of Erasmus . This cooperation serves to continuously improve the quality of youth work – both in our own organisations and together with colleagues from other organisations in Europe.

What can you expect on youthcentres.eu?
The library brings together methodological toolkits, handouts, position papers and studies – from the “Open Youth Work” booklet and handout to position papers (e.g. on the benefits, framework conditions and roles of youth workers) to creative materials such as “Music for Human Rights” (toolboxes for 10-15 and 15-30 year olds, including songs) and the G.R.O.W. toolkit for inclusive youth camps with editions in several languages, including German, English, Romanian, Slovenian and Italian. All materials can be freely explored, downloaded and used in practice.

You can currently find eight Erasmus -KA2 projects in the Projects section:

  • Mindspace – Mental Health in Youth Work: Approaches and materials to promote mental health in open youth work.
  • Melody – Music & Democracy Education: Methods of how music can be used as a tool for participation, inclusion and democracy.
  • Mobile Youth Work – Concepts and tools for outreach and mobile youth work to reach young people outside of fixed facilities.
  • Virtual Youth Centres – ideas and platforms on how youth centres can also function digitally and how young people can participate online.
  • Open Youth Work – Position papers, materials and standards that make open youth work more visible and recognised across Europe.
  • GROW – Goals, Resources, Opportunities, Wonders: A methodological toolkit to strengthen the expertise of youth camp leaders.
  • Chance to Change – Concepts and practical examples of how youth work can accompany transitions and changes in young people.
  • Music for Human Rights – Toolboxes and educational approaches on how music can be used to address human rights and encourage young people to get involved.

Ready-to-use results such as manuals, toolkits and activity guides are available for each project – all freely usable and customisable. A ninth project is already in preparation.

The database shows practical examples and profiles of youth centres from several countries – with insights into target groups, typical activities, forms of participation, equipment and spaces (from rehearsal rooms to stages) as well as testimonials from young people and professionals. This allows you to compare structures and transfer ideas directly into your work.

In this way, youthcentres.eu offers a broad pool of knowledge, practical examples and contacts – freely accessible and constantly growing.

The website was developed as part of various Erasmus projects and co-financed by the European Union. All content is free to access, discover, download and customise – just drop by: youthcentres.eu.