Articulate Europe

Introduction: ‘Articulate London’ is a three-year project funded by the UK’s Big Lottery Fund which aims to support young learning disabled people in London to think about what they want to do in the future. The project works with young people, support workers, service providers, employers, schools, colleges and parents; everyone working together to ensure that young people transition smoothly from school into work or further education.

'Articulate Europe'
Incorporating European partners into ‘Articulate’ would enormously benefit the work. Shape is undertaking. These European partners would take part in a 3- day showcase event, which is the finale to the Articulate project. This event will include young people, policy makers and employers from three European countries, exploring examples of best practice and looking at barriers young people face across Europe. Most importantly it is a chance to learn from one another to create more positive outcomes for young people.

The showcase would present and disseminate our learning over the 3 year project and look towards the future. Having input from European partners will enhance this. By exploring youth policy and practices in other countries, we can learn from one another and to see and share commonalities across Europe.

A potential partner will bring the following to Articulate:
• access to young people with learning disabilities aged 14-25
• experience with getting young people with learning disabilities into work or further/higher education
• ability to present information on the policy and service provision within their country in supporting transition from school to employment for young people with learning disabilities
• knowledge of the benefits systems and how it helps/hinders young people with learning disabilities to achieve their goals

Requirements of potential partners:

• commitment to being a named partner at application stage European. This involves being named at application stage, citing their proposed involvement in the project, what they will be able to contribute, and sign as a partner.
• recruiting and bringing young people to attend the conference event in June 2012. (Note – the funding from Youth in Action will cover travel, access and accommodation for each country’s delegation of young people and experts.)

Benefits for potential partners:

• Experience in securing European funding. The European Commission enjoys building up long-term relationships with its funded organisations, and so working as a delivery partner on a Youth In Action Project is a great way to secure long-term European funding, either as lead or delivery partners (promoters)
• Engagement of your young people, with an excellent opportunity to travel to London and participate in an exciting and dynamic project.
• Opportunity to network and engage with employers, colleges, schools, service providers, young people from other European countries

Please contact Alison Harrow on alison@shapearts.org.uk or on +44(0) 20 7424 7359 for more information or if you would like us to set up a conference call.