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Street Support and public nuisance - inclusive education strategies versus marginalisation
Start date: Sep 1, 2016, End date: Aug 31, 2019 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Drug- and alcohol-related nuisance is an important policy issue in nearly all smaller, medium-sized and bigger cities. In 2014 the Netherlands reported an increasing number of drug- and alcohol related nuisance, caused by homeless people: 45.910 cases compared to 44.161 cases in 2013 [Politie, Local Focus, 2015]. Experience and research has shown that this is a pan-European problem which many local and municipal authorities are struggling to address in an effective manner [ FEANTSA 2013]. A broad range of participatory interventions and prevention activities have been developed to prevent nuisance among youngsters. Intervention, targeting adults however, are limited and mainly based on repressive and sanctionary acts, including arrests, restraining orders and fines. Less is known about inclusive strategies and adult learning opportunities, which provide daily structure and support to this specific group. Experience shows that strategies, tackling wider economic and social exclusion such as education, training and employment (ETE) can play a vital role in the (re)integration and recovery of homeless people and other marginalised groups [Homelessness and Homeless Policies in Europe: Lessons from Research, 2010]. The envisaged final target group of this project includes homeless people and other marginalised groups, loitering in the street and causing alcohol- or drug-related nuisance. This target group will be reached during local pilot interventions in 4 European countries. In addition, the project will directly target social services, adult trainers and local governments, which directly work with the final target group. There is only limited experience with inclusive interventions, which create opportunities instead of further exclusion and build on the existing potential in each person. We know that work and education can contribute to the participation and the inclusion of people. Disadvantaged groups face unequal opportunities on all different levels and have certainly less access to work and educational opportunities [Nicaise, Ides; A smart social inclusion policy for the EU – the role of education and training]. The Street Support Project is built on the idea that each person has the potential to learn and to do something meaningful. Adult learning, work and other activities can play a vital role in this context, as long as it is adapted to the specific needs and living conditions of the target group. Objectives:The main objective of the project is to provide adult learning providers, organisations and local governments with tools and models of good practice, resulting in effective and inclusive adult learning and working opportunities for alcohol- and drug users and reduction ofalcohol- and drug related nuisance in the public space. More specifically the project has three overarching objectives and results:Best Practices and information exchange: - European Assessment Report in the field of homelessness and the alcohol- and drug related nuisance - Country Reports in 6 European countries, describing the situation in regard to homelessness and alcohol- and drug related nuisance - Toolbox for service providers and local governments, including guidance and support for the development and implementation of inclusive adult learning and work integration opportunities- Models of good practice within Europe to showcase effective adult learning and work integration opportunitiesDevelop, implement and validate cost-effective and sustainable practices:- 4 validated local pilot interventions - 4 documented case studies Dissemination on European and national level:- Online Resource Centre and dissemination platform- 4 national multiplier events to disseminate the activities and results of the project among relevant national stakeholders - 1 European multiplier event to disseminate the outcomes of the project to a large number of European stakeholders and promote effective and inclusive adult learning and work integration opportunitiesThe objectives of the project are clearly linked to the overall rationale and specific needs of the final target group. The project includes research elements, education and capacity building, but can on the long term also contribute to a better policy / approach towards alcohol- and /or drug users, causing nuisance in the public space. It will boost and stimulate inclusive adult learning and work integration strategies and contribute to a more inclusive society, in which marginalised groups will be provided with learning and employment opportunities.
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