In recent months, the BRIDGE project partners have been working intensively on the ground, conducting focus groups with migrant youth and professionals across different European countries.
This phase is part of the needs analysis, a key step in designing the training models and the peer education programme to ensure they realistically address the current challenges in working with migrant youth.
Although the analysis process is still ongoing, common trends are already emerging and helping to guide the development of the project.
Key emerging themes
Mental health and empathetic communication
There is a clear need to strengthen practical tools to support young people’s emotional well-being, as well as strategies for empathetic listening and trauma-aware communication that help build trust.
Practical tools for professionals
The findings highlight a strong demand for resources that can be applied in daily work, such as:
- Step-by-step guides
- Real-life case studies
- Participatory dynamics
- Ready-to-use materials
Youth participation and leadership
Young people expressed the need to take on a more active role in the processes. Peer education is emerging as a key approach to foster engagement, trust, and shared learning.
Interculturality and conflict management
Challenges related to intercultural mediation, managing misunderstandings, and the importance of creating safe spaces where young people feel heard have been identified.
Access to information and understanding of the system
Issues such as awareness of rights, administrative procedures, and language barriers remain key factors in enabling effective inclusion.
An ongoing process
This collaborative work is helping to build a solid foundation across different European contexts, ensuring that the tools developed are aligned with real needs.
The needs analysis is still in progress and will allow for further refinement of these findings in the coming weeks.
Next steps
Once this phase is completed, we will publish the final results, which will serve as the basis for the development of the project’s training materials and activities.
We continue working towards practical solutions to improve the inclusion and participation of migrant youth across Europe.
We keep building bridges.