Space for Youth
What is the "Space for Youth" project?
The Municipality of West Maas en Waal aims to give young people space, both literally and figuratively. Space to grow up in a responsible, healthy, and safe way. We believe it is important to involve young people in society. Youth participation is therefore a crucial component. Through this, we want young people to be able to participate positively in society, as much as possible tailored to their needs.
Are you curious about local figures on the health of young people from West Maas en Waal?
The GGD Gelderland-Zuid has a website featuring a wide range of health statistics. Among other things, you can find the results of the Youth Health Monitor at .
The Origins of Ruimte voor de Jeugd
The "Space for Youth" project originated from the 2022–2026 coalition agreement.
The mission outlined in the coalition agreement includes, among other things:
- “Develop a comprehensive youth policy focused on prevention, raising awareness about substance use, and promoting physical activity and social integration. This includes specifically preventing substance use and undesirable activities.”
- “Creating dedicated gathering places for young people, equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi hotspots. Working with young people, parents, schools, and youth workers to identify sustainable ways to meet these needs and then implement them in a way that minimizes potential disturbances as much as possible.”
We are putting this into practice through the "Space for Youth" project.
In addition, the Municipality of West Maas en Waal adopted a new policy framework for the social domain in 2024. The title of the policy framework is ‘Building a Strong Social Foundation’. One of the programs within this framework is ‘Growing Up with Opportunities’. In this program, we focus on the healthy development of young people and the cultivation of their talents. The 'Space for Youth' project falls under this program and was established to take the first steps in that direction.
Approach: Space for Youth
The "Space for Youth" project is based on the " Growing Up in a Promising Environment" program . This is a program developed by the Trimbos Institute. The program employs a scientifically proven effective approach: the Icelandic Prevention Model.
The components of the "Space for Youth" project
The Icelandic prevention model focuses on four factors that influence young people’s behavior. These are:
- Family
- Peer group (friends and peers)
- School
- Leisure
Each component includes protective and risk factors. The "Space for Youth" project utilizes the components of the Icelandic prevention model.
But we’ve added an extra element: feeling good about yourself. This is because the project also aims to promote mental well-being among young people.
The Phases of the "Space for Youth" Project
The project consists of four phases. These are:
- Monitoring;
- Feedback and dialogue;
- Policy-making;
- Implementation
Community building is at the heart of these four phases. This means we bring parents and local partners together around the young people. In this way, we build a network around them.
Results of "Space for Youth"
The "Space for Youth" project was launched in 2023. In 2023, the project went through three phases: monitoring, feedback, and policy development. We are now in phase 4: implementation.
The project has revealed a need for youth centers. This is a priority for young people, parents, and professionals alike. Based on the information gathered during the project, the municipal executive decided in January to establish two youth centers: one in Beneden-Leeuwen one in Dreumel.
More information about the Pilot Youth Meeting Places.