Strengthening Youth Information Across Europe: Wales at ERYICA GA

Earlier this year, our Chief Executive, Marco Gil-Cervantes, travelled to Chișinău, Moldova, to attend the 36th ERYICA General Assembly. Here we share his experience.

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Representing the Youth Work Board in his role as Chair of the Youth Information and Digital IPG, Marco joined youth information experts from across Europe to explore how we can improve access to quality information for young people.

The event, sponsored by Chișinău City Youth Service brought together members of ERYICA to shape future strategy, share innovations, and strengthen international collaboration. Marco’s visit was supported by the Welsh Government.

What is ERYICA?

ERYICA (European Youth Information and Counselling Agency) is the European umbrella organisation for youth information, made up of over 30 national members. These members represent the youth information interests of their countries and support the delivery of accessible, reliable information for young people.

Youth information is a vital part of the youth work offer. It aligns closely with the UNCRC, specifically Article 17, which states that “Every child has the right to reliable information from a variety of sources.”

In many parts of Europe, youth information is well embedded in policy and practice. In Scotland, for example, it’s linked to Youth Entitlements offers and card.

Wales and ERYICA

The Welsh Government is the official member of ERYICA, and ProMo Cymru has worked with ERYICA for over a decade. This long-standing relationship has helped build the foundations for youth information development in Wales.

As a voluntary sector organisation, sustaining this engagement hasn’t always been easy, as it requires time and resources. CWVYS supports the dissemination of ERYICA’s work across Wales, ensuring youth information is on the national agenda.

Highlights from the General Assembly (GA)

The GA is a space for networking, sharing good practice, and setting strategic direction for ERYICA’s future. It also creates links with wider initiatives through the Youth Partnership, the youth policy arm of the Council of Europe and the European Commission.

A group of young people from Chișinău Youth Service supported the event throughout.

Marco took part in several key activities at the GA, including:

• A strategic planning session for ERYICA
• The election of the new ERYICA Board
• Project and skill sharing across countries
• Discussions with other nations about their developments and approaches to youth information
• The Youth Information Quality Label Award Ceremony

ERYICA’s Current Focus

Some of ERYICA’s key projects and activities include:

• Youth Information training for professionals
• Working groups and task forces
• AI in youth information delivery
• Mental health
• Media literacy
• Developing digital tools
• DesYIgn toolkit and training (service design principles for developing information services)
• Youth Information Quality Label

What’s Next for Wales?

Our plans for Wales include:

• Rolling out ERYICA’s youth information training and the Youth Information Quality Label
• Expanding the use of the DesYIgn Toolkit to embed service design approaches in youth services

As the Youth Work Body in Wales continues to develop, we hope a national approach to youth information will give young people better access to trusted, clear, and relevant information. It will also provide greater opportunities for them to have a voice and be listened to.

If you’d like to know more, feel free to get in touch: marco@promo.cymru