At the beginning of the year we approached friend and long term colleague Professor Stephanie Schwandners-Sievers, the Associate Dean of Global and Strategic Partnerships at Bournemouth University https://staffprofiles.bournemouth.ac.uk/display/sssievers . We asked her if she thought Bournemouth University would be interested in exploring ideas for an indepedent Advisory Hub for Erasmus + in Dorset. We had previously met with Andrew Hadley MBE Director of the Centre for International Learning and Leadership and one of the main leaders on the Erasmus + return to the UK Campaign led by the European Movement. https://www.cill-uk.com Andrew is also a director of a new group sharing information on education, culture and youth projects, in particular Erasmus + Intercom. https://www.intercom.org.uk
Andrew encouraged us to move quickly as there is a budget of around €41 million Euros for the UK alone that needs to be used up by the end of December 2027 and before the new funding stream comes in from 2027-2034/5. The new Erasmus+ programme will cover action on education and training, youth, and sport + integration with other programmes with a budget for this period of €40.8 billion. We obviously want to be part of this.
“…..it would provide a comprehensive tool to promote high-quality lifelong learning and develop life and employability skills and key competences for all, while fostering Union values, democratic and societal participation, solidarity, social inclusion, and equal opportunities. The programme would also enhance cooperation on youth policy and further develop the European dimension in sport.” https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2026)782658
On 24th March this year an exploratory meeting was held with the support of the Bournemouth University International Mobility Team led by Jana Kunkova, Head of International Mobility and Experience for BU. We were delighted at the amount of interest from everyone who came for the morning conversation from Dorset Council, Dorset Youth Association, Soundstorm Music Education Agency, Bridport Town Council, The Koru Project, other members of BU, Activate Performing Arts and young representatives of b-sharp, TCFT (The Complete Freedom of Truth) and Millstream Theatre.
The meeting has started a conversation with these and other community, arts and educational partners to develop this Hub, possibly in partnership with Intercom and others. The purpose will be to nurture collaborations and consortia, offer information, training and otherwise support local communities, arts/cultural organisations and educational partners in applying for funding for youth mobility and training opportunities in the UK across Europe and beyond. We aim to be diverse, equitable and inclusive and create a co-operative-type network led jointly by all who want to participate.
The meeting has started a conversation with these and other community, arts and educational partners to develop this Hub, possibly in partnership with Intercom and others. The purpose will be to nurture collaborations and consortia, offer information, training and otherwise support local communities, arts/cultural organisations and educational partners in applying for funding for youth mobility and training opportunities in the UK across Europe and beyond. We aim to be diverse, equitable and inclusive and create a co-operative-type network led jointly by all who want to participate.
The return of Creative Europe has to be next. https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe
Photo Gallery here pictures above.
