Applications are open for Safe Moves: Safeguarding and Wellbeing in Youth Mobilities, a seven-day Erasmus+ training course designed to help youth workers, youth leaders, volunteering mentors and project coordinators create safer, more inclusive international learning experiences for young people.

Organised by PECO – Progetti Europei di Cooperazione, the training will take place from 12–20 November 2026 at Cascina EUtopia, an educational and ecological centre in Casaleggio Boiro, Italy. The programme will focus on safeguarding, risk management, emotional wellbeing and practical ways to support young people who may face additional challenges during international mobility activities.

The training is fully funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, with no participation fee. Accommodation and meals are covered, while travel expenses are reimbursed up to specified limits based on Erasmus+ distance bands.

Applications are open to eligible participants from 34 European countries, with the deadline set for 24 October 2026.

About the Safe Moves Training Course

International youth exchanges and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering activities can provide valuable opportunities for learning, cultural exchange and personal development. However, travelling abroad and participating in unfamiliar environments can also create challenges, particularly for young people with fewer opportunities or those experiencing vulnerability.

The Safe Moves project aims to strengthen the capacity of youth organisations to provide safer, more supportive and inclusive mobility experiences.

Through practical exercises and peer learning, participants will explore how to recognise potential risks, respond to distress, manage conflict and establish safeguarding practices that protect young people's dignity and wellbeing.

The training builds on learning from an earlier project study visit, during which staff from partner organisations observed safeguarding practices in an ESC volunteering team working with highly vulnerable young people.

Training Objectives and Learning Areas

During the seven-day programme, participants will develop practical skills in the following areas:

1. Safeguarding and Risk Management

Participants will explore safeguarding principles and approaches to identifying, preventing and managing risks during short-term international youth mobility activities.

2. Youth Wellbeing and Emotional Support

The course will examine challenges young people may experience when living and learning abroad, including homesickness, language barriers, communication difficulties, social exclusion and emotional overwhelm.

3. Responding to Distress and Conflict

Participants will practise first-response approaches to distress, conflict resolution and trauma-informed support through realistic scenarios and guided exercises.

4. Inclusion and Support for Vulnerable Youth

The training will focus on making international activities more accessible and supportive for young people with fewer opportunities and those facing additional barriers.

5. Safeguarding Tools and Good Practices

Participants will exchange experiences and work together to co-create the Safe Moves Toolkit on Safeguarding in International Youth Mobilities.

6. Personal and Professional Development

The programme will include reflection on learning and competencies through Youthpass and the YOCOMO self-assessment framework.

Training Methods

The course will use non-formal education methods that encourage active participation, collaboration and practical learning. Activities will include:

• Simulations and role-plays.
• Case studies and group discussions.
• Creative activities and problem-solving exercises.
• Peer learning and exchange of professional experiences.
• Daily reflection groups.
• Collaborative development of safeguarding resources.

These methods are intended to help participants apply the knowledge gained to their work with young people and international mobility projects.

Benefits of Participating

Selected participants will receive the following support through the Erasmus+ Programme:

• No participation fee: The training course is fully funded, with no course participation fee.
• Accommodation: Provided at the hosting venue.
• Meals: Covered throughout the programme, with dietary requirements accommodated where indicated in the registration form.
• Travel reimbursement: Eligible travel costs reimbursed up to the applicable Erasmus+ distance-band limits.
• Youthpass certificate: Participants are entitled to receive a certificate recognising their learning outcomes.
• Professional development: Opportunities to strengthen safeguarding, risk management, conflict resolution and trauma-informed support skills.
• International networking: An opportunity to exchange practices with youth professionals from participating countries.
• Practical resources: Participants will contribute to the development of a safeguarding toolkit for international youth mobility activities.

Travel is reimbursed subject to the applicable limits and conditions; applicants should check the official call for the relevant distance bands and reimbursement procedures.

Accommodation and Venue

Participants will stay at Cascina EUtopia, a rural educational and ecological centre in Casaleggio Boiro, in the province of Alessandria, Italy.

Accommodation will be in shared bedrooms, with communal living spaces. Meals will be prepared using local and seasonal produce, and vegetarian options will be prioritised. Participants can indicate their dietary requirements in the registration form.

In keeping with the community-based approach of the venue, participants will also take part in rotating cleaning groups.

Training Details

• Programme: Safe Moves – Safeguarding and Wellbeing in Youth Mobilities
• Activity type: Erasmus+ Training Course
• Dates: 12–20 November 2026
• Location: Cascina EUtopia, Casaleggio Boiro, Italy
• Duration: Seven days of training within the listed activity period
• Organiser: PECO – Progetti Europei di Cooperazione
• Working language: English
• Number of participants: 23
• Participation fee: None
• Accommodation and meals: Fully covered
• Travel: Reimbursed up to applicable Erasmus+ limits
• Application deadline: 24 October 2026
• Selection date: 25 October 2026

Important Dates

• Application deadline: 24 October 2026
• Selection date: 25 October 2026
• Training period: 12–20 November 2026

Applicants should ensure they meet the country eligibility requirements and review the travel reimbursement rules before submitting their applications.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.