Cities throughout Europe are rethinking how they support young people as more of daily life happens online. A group of ten cities has shown that hybrid youth work, which combines digital and in-person support, should be a central part of urban policy rather than an add-on.
Over the past two years, ten European cities joined forces through the URBACT Action Planning Network NextGen YouthWork to address a shared challenge. Young people are spending more time in digital and mixed environments. Yet, most youth services remain focused on physical locations, fixed schedules, and traditional communication. Led by Eindhoven and joined by cities from across Europe, the network united local governments, youth workers, NGOs, and young people. Together, they re-imagined how youth work should function in a digital world.
A New Model for Hybrid Youth Engagement
The outcome is a set of Integrated Action Plans that mark a clear shift in approach. Instead of treating digital tools as add-ons, cities now view youth work as a hybrid public service. This connects physical youth spaces with online places like messaging apps, Discord servers, gaming platforms, and digital counselling. This shift shows that many young people, especially those who are not part of organised groups or are more vulnerable, are no longer reached only through traditional youth centres.
Although the cities varied in size, governance, and digital experience, they noticed similar trends. Young people want flexible and easy access to support and ways to participate. Meanwhile, youth workers often lack the skills, authority, or support to work confidently online. To address this, cities experimented. Some created online youth centres. Others supported youth-led digital communication, VR-based job training, or anonymous digital counselling. These trials served as learning opportunities, helping cities see what works, for whom, and in which situations.
The main takeaway from the network is that hybrid youth work is not about technology. It is about staying relevant, being accessible, and building trust. Cities found that simply launching new platforms does not boost engagement. Real impact happens when young people help create services, youth workers gain new skills, and digital spaces are included in wider youth, social, and digital policies.
Key Policy Recommendations for Hybrid Youth Work
From their shared experience, the network developed five main Policy Recommendations for cities ready to start or expand hybrid youth work.
Start with youth voice and co-creation: Effective hybrid youth work begins by involving young people as co-designers, not just participants. When young people help shape tools, spaces, and activities, services become more relevant, trusted, and better used, especially by those who are not part of organised groups or are more vulnerable.
Invest in youth workers’ digital skills: Hybrid youth work relies on professionals who feel confident working both online and offline. Cities should offer ongoing training in digital tools, online facilitation, safeguarding, and youth online culture, instead of just one-time training sessions.
Reach young people where they already are: Cities should focus on the platforms and spaces young people actually use, such as messaging apps, gaming environments, and social media, rather than building separate, institution-led platforms. Still, hybrid youth work is most effective when digital and in-person formats support each other. Cities should decide which activities are best done online, which need face-to-face interaction, and how to balance staff time and resources to avoid overloading youth workers or weakening physical spaces.
Embed hybrid youth work into urban policy and governance: For lasting impact, cities need to go beyond pilot projects. They should include hybrid youth work in youth strategies, organisational structures, and budgets, making sure there is political support, coordination across departments, and continuity after project funding ends.
No city can do hybrid youth work alone: Hybrid youth work thrives when cities connect various stakeholders across sectors, including youth organisations, schools, NGOs, private companies, and other municipalities. This collaboration broadens expertise, increases access to young people, and helps secure resources.
Collaboration between countries was crucial in this process of change. Teams gained confidence by observing how other cities solved similar problems. Inspired, they tried new ideas and made lasting improvements. As a result, differences between cities became strengths, not obstacles. This deepened understanding of which solutions best fit each city's context and needs.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Relevance and Inclusion in Youth Services
These ten cities show that adopting hybrid youth work is essential for meeting young people's current needs. As urban life changes, providing both in-person and digital spaces keeps youth services accessible and relevant. By continuing to adapt, NextGen YouthWork cities can ensure all young people benefit from inclusive and flexible support in the years ahead.
Social media: https://instagram.com/nextgen_youthwork
Keywords: youth, youth work, digital youth work, digital transition
Hashtags: #bettercities #actionplanning
