Het Hogeland launches online youth work pilot

The municipality of Het Hogeland has approved a one-year pilot program for online youth work. To implement this initiative, the local government is partnering with the national organization Epic Youth Foundation, which specializes in supporting young people within their digital environments.

The program aims to complement existing physical services provided by Mensenwerk Hogeland and the Straatteam. By establishing a presence on digital platforms, officials hope to better reach youth aged 10 to 23, particularly those who may be less visible through traditional methods, such as those experiencing loneliness or social isolation.

According to Alderman Karen Hansems, being present in the online world allows the municipality to better support youth and identify warning signs earlier. The pilot focuses on prevention, mental health, and digital resilience, seeking to connect online signals with appropriate local support in villages and neighborhoods.