The Youth in Action programme is a European Union initiative, providing the opportunity for groups of young people to meet other groups from across Europe.

The European Union Youth in Action programme offers a range of international activities for young people in the 15 to 25 age range (**this may change from 2007) outside what might be called the more formal education environment, and provides training for Youth Workers. It aims to contribute to the personal and social development of participants by bringing together groups of young people from different countries to participate in projects, exploring common themes involving social, economic, environmental or cultural issues in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

There are currently five main actions within the programme, which is managed on behalf of the UK Government by a National Agency, who are responsible for the administration of these actions.

	Youth Exchanges/Encounters - Mobility projects for groups of young people, providing the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with similar groups in other countries.
	European Voluntary Service – The chance to involve yourself in volunteer work in other countries in a variety of social, environmental or cultural fields.
	Youth Initiatives – Projects which stimulate initiative, creativity and social commitment in the local community.
	Joint Actions – Usually involving larger scale projects involving other EU programmes, particularly Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci.

Click here for more information in the National Agency website.

Other Youth Programmes

Separate from the EU programmes the following may also be of interest.

Causeway British-Irish Exchange and Commonwealth Youth Exchange