YHP Germany
Location
Hamburg
Timing
2013 - 2027
The context
At the start of the programme in 2013, there were over 700 young people experiencing homelessness in Hamburg. They experienced poverty, violence, poor diet, and struggled to access appropriate health care. This was often exacerbated by previous negative experiences of the healthcare system.
Our objectives
To make a positive, measurable and sustainable impact on the health of young people experiencing homelessness in Hamburg, to help them to access good healthcare and handle their health issues with independence and responsibility, and re-integrate into society.
Our programme
The programme supports a range of activities that help young people build the knowledge, skills and confidence to improve their health and reduce risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs):
- Sani-HH – a health-training programme that teaches adolescents the basics of hygiene and first aid and provides trained ‘Peer Educators’ with first aid packs that they can use to help other young people.
- Work experience opportunities with Flohbuy, a second-hand shop run by our partner basis & woge eV.
- Private tuition through Hirntoaster – an education programme that helps young people pursue their interests, discover and strengthen their abilities, re-enter school and prepare for exams.
- Healthcare classes, personal counselling and workshops on healthy living, nutrition and cooking.
- Education on the benefits of physical activity for a healthier lifestyle.
Our achievements
Over 8,000 young people have directly participated in the programme since it began in 2013.
More than 900 frontline health workers, parents, teachers, politicians and other community organisations have been reached with health- and well-being information.
Young people from the programme participated in two conferences organised by the German Caritas Association to help prioritise youth projects in Hamburg, and represented homeless young people in a delegation to local politicians facilitated by Momo - a youth-counselling centre in Hamburg.
Since its launch, more than 400 AstraZeneca employees at our Hamburg site have been involved in 13 separate projects working with young people. We are also developing employment models that strengthen self-reliance and offer young people opportunities for a more orderly life.
Awareness raising campaigns and other external activities have reached two million people since the start of the programme.
Our partners
basis & woge eV is a state-approved, non-profit organisation for social services in Hamburg. Their focus areas are youth and family welfare, health prevention and intercultural work. They aim to help individuals to gain rights and recognition through acceptance, protection and education.
