In one of Berlin’s most socially deprived districts, a youth centre is helping young people in crisis with vital support from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

Homelessness, mental health issues, debt and addiction are just some of the challenges faced by young people arriving at the Don Bosco Centre in Marzahn-Hellersdorf. Over half of them have not completed school. Many of them have  dropped out of education or the labour market, and some have nowhere to sleep.

‘Support like this can be a matter of survival in a city like Berlin,’ says Father Simon Härting, director of Manege gGmbH. ‘Thanks to ESF+ funding, we’ve been able to offer services that would otherwise not be possible – such as our 24/7 opening hours and emergency beds for young people who suddenly find themselves homeless.’

The centre is located near a community shelter housing 600 people and a homeless hostel for 800. It offers support to young people in crisis, not just during office hours, but whenever help is needed.

A hands-on approach to rebuilding lives

he young people supported by the project are often in precarious situations – neither in school, employment nor training. Many are disconnected from public services and at risk of falling through the remaining cracks.

As the  project name suggests, the initiative offers a bridge back. In the centre’s school rooms, young people can catch up on missed classes. In the wood and metal workshops, they can explore practical skills. Crucially, the centre offers individual guidance and counselling to help each person find a new path.

‘Requests for emergency shelter are constantly high,’ says project coordinator Anja Stiehler. ‘We see clearly that the need is growing – and so is the pressure on our services. Preventing exclusion is a daily challenge in our urban environment.’

Working together to make a difference

The project brings together the local Job Centre, public employment service, schools and youth services. This joined-up approach helps to ensure that support doesn’t stop at the front door.

For young people who are excluded or vulnerable, this cooperation makes it easier to access help and build a sustainable future. The goal is to support social and economic inclusion – and to reconnect young people with education, training and work.

Backed by the EU

Manege gGmbH has been receiving EU funding since 2009. Today, the organisation employs 99 people and supports around 450 children and young people across Berlin – in Marzahn, Reinickendorf and Treptow-Köpenick – as well as through mobile outreach services.

The “Building bridges” project is one of many across Europe helping young people overcome difficult situations – and another example of how ESF+ investment is building fairer, more inclusive societies.