No Youth Worker is an Island

No Youth Worker Is an Island is an Erasmus+ training course designed for youth workers who want to strengthen their professional wellbeing, exchange experiences and develop supportive networks with colleagues from different European countries.

Working in the youth field can be rewarding, but it can also involve emotional challenges, limited resources, isolation and the risk of burnout, particularly for those working in rural areas or small organisations. This training course will create a space to reflect on these challenges, share practical solutions and explore how youth workers can support themselves and one another while maintaining the quality and sustainability of their work.

The activity will bring together 22 youth workers and one trainer in Alviano Scalo, Italy, from 21 to 30 January 2027, with participants from Italy, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, the Azores, the Canary Islands and Georgia.

The programme will be based on non-formal learning methods, including experiential activities, group discussions, peer learning, reflection, practical workshops and intercultural exchange. Participants will explore topics such as professional wellbeing, stress management, burnout prevention, peer support, collaboration and the development of resilient youth work practices. They will also have opportunities to exchange good practices from their local contexts and identify approaches that can be adapted to their own organisations and communities.

Who can apply?

This opportunity is specifically addressed to people actively working in youth work and non-formal learning. Applicants may be youth workers, youth leaders, facilitators, trainers, volunteers or staff members of youth organisations who are involved in planning, delivering or supporting non-formal educational activities with young people.

We are particularly interested in applicants who are motivated to reflect on their own practice, contribute to a collaborative learning environment and transfer the knowledge and methods gained during the training to their local communities. Previous experience in international projects is welcome but is not the main selection criterion. Motivation, active involvement in youth work and the willingness to share learning with others are essential.

Following the training, participants will be encouraged to apply what they have learned in their organisations, share useful practices with colleagues and contribute to follow-up and dissemination activities. The aim is to ensure that the impact of the project extends beyond the training itself, supporting stronger professional relationships and more sustainable youth work across the participating communities.

If you are actively involved in youth work or non-formal education and believe that no youth worker should have to face professional challenges alone, we invite you to apply.