The detached project supported by Erasmus+ via Leargas addresses the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people in Europe, focusing on those most socially excluded. A consequence of lockdown is an increase in the number of young people disconnected from employment, education and training supports. Lockdown has caused a suspension of youth services. Young people who were previously facing challenges are likely to have experienced a complete disconnect from services and supports, they will now need new supports to help them transition back into services. Young people who were previously socially excluded are now experiencing more extreme forms of social exclusion and alienation, leaving them vulnerable to radicalisation. The aim of detached work is to create connections for socially excluded young people with the services and supports they require. 

Young people across Europe are currently sharing in a uniquely universal experience – lockdown. Those young people who were vulnerable and at risk of disconnecting from society and support, are now more vulnerable and further disconnected than before. The detached project focuses on the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people in Europe, building on a significant programme of work. Because of lockdown, the number of young people disconnected from employment, education and training supports will likely increase. Those already facing challenges will be in a worsening position and experience a complete disconnect from any services or supports, increasing the number of “Inactive NEETs” (not in employment, education or training). These young people are at risk of long-term social exclusion and poverty. 

The respondents in this research were from 33 different organisations across 5 countries – Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Austria and Belgium. The most prevalent theme which emerged was isolation/alienation. The pandemic has changed the ways many of the respondents would engage their target groups and brought new challenges such as the adaptation to and eventual ineffectiveness of digital youth work. Although there was an increased demand for services the digital poverty often meant participation was low and after time ‘zoom fatigue’ also impacted upon engagement....

[See also, Detached youth support - supporting young people in time of Covid-19, by Eve Doran, Social Inclusion Projects Officer with Youth Work Ireland.]