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Transitioning to Adulthood.

Dates.

September 2019 to December 2021

Service Type.
Funded by.

The project titled “Transitioning to Adulthood: a pathway to autonomy and self-reliance” had a clear objective of piloting a novel methodology for integrating young people between the ages of 16 and 21. This innovative approach included the provision of immediate and direct access to employability support and psychosocial care, two critical elements that play a vital role in supporting young people to become more self-sufficient. 

Together we worked to develop and implement a more comprehensive set of services designed specifically for young people. Our joint initiative resulted in an enhanced package of services that aimed to facilitate the transition of young people to adulthood, at a time when they often experience changes in their rights and access to services. To address this challenge, we established a referral and partnership network that provided support to these individuals as they prepared for and navigated the various changes associated with turning 18. 

The project was implemented between 2019 and 2021 in collaboration with Babel Day Center and HumanRights360, two local Greek Organisations, and supported 129 individuals. More specifically 32 people received specialized psychosocial support and improved their wellbeing, 82 people received job consultation and 14 were granted asylum during the duration of the project.   

Overall, the initiative built upon the comprehensive approach that Velos Youth has always employed, emphasizing the importance of providing holistic support to young people in need. While the project officially ended in 2021, the referral network and partnership with our Greek counterparts has continued to deliver valuable support to young people who need it the most. We remain committed to our mission of helping young people achieve greater autonomy and self-reliance. 

Project Material.

Case Study.

Abdul first came to Velos Youth as an unaccompanied minor at the end of 2020. He had heard about Velos Youth from the social service of Pedon public hospital for underage children. 

His initial requests from Velos Youth were for accommodation and access to the asylum service. He was immediately referred to a partner organisation to apply for a position in a shelter for unaccompanied children (UAC) as his living conditions were considered precarious and therefore his safety might be at risk. At the same time, he was referred to a lawyer to receive legal representation and receive an appointment so that he could go in person and apply for asylum and receive documentation. 

When he became 18 he had to leave the shelter for unaccompanied children in Volos so he  returned to Athens and Velos Youth. He was referred to Human Rights 360 for job counseling and general support regarding employment and soon enough joined Velos Youth’s Housing Integration Project as well. Now not having to worry about living expenses he was able to focus on learning English and Greek, and with the support of both organisations was able to find a job after only a short period of time. 

Before long Abdul received a phone call from the Asylum service informing him about his upcoming interview. He immediately informed us, worried that he will be deported and lose everything he had strived for. We held a meeting with Abdul to assess the situation and referred him to Bavel Day center for psychological support as we both agreed it would be beneficial. At the same time, he was again referred to a lawyer for legal representation and preparation for the interview. Despite the limited time all the interdisciplinary team worked closely with each other and gave B.R. the support he needed to cope with the stressful situation he was facing. Unfortunately BR received a negative answer regarding his asylum request, but was supported to appeal the decision, keep his papers and continue working. Soon enough B.R had the financial security required to find a place of his own and was successful in leaving the Velos Youth Housing Integration Project; a crucial step towards autonomy. 

In conclusion, Abdul’’s journey with Velos Youth showcased the importance of comprehensive support for unaccompanied children and young adults seeking asylum. Through collaboration with partner organizations, he received accommodation, legal representation, and job counseling, leading to employment and financial stability. Despite a negative asylum decision, Abdul was supported to appeal and maintain his documentation. Ultimately, his success in securing independent housing marked a significant milestone towards achieving autonomy. The interdisciplinary teamwork and holistic approach proved crucial in empowering Abdul throughout his challenging circumstances.

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Location.

Tzortz 26, 126 82
Athens
7th floor

Contact.

info@velosyouth.org
(+30) 2108256749
(+30) 211 118 1966
Γ.Ε.ΜΗ. 142494001000
Article of Association 2023

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Social.

© 2023 Velos Youth. All rights reserved
Developed by loud

© 2023 Velos Youth. All rights reserved

Developed by loud

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Support to find a job & develop a career

Do you want to create your CV and start looking for a job? 

Don’t forget that for getting hired for the first time you will need some documents (Tax Number (AFM), Social Security Number (AMKA), bank account, Insured Person Registration Number (EFKA)), at Velos we can support you to issue them. 

Do you already have a job but you are facing some challenges, in Velos Youth we can discuss how you could better deal with them. 

Are you thinking of your next professional steps? Here is the place to discuss your ideas and goals for your career development and explore ways to achieve them. Together, we can find vocational training and other educational opportunities to improve your professional skills.

If you are interested, you can book an appointment on-line or in Velos Youth space.

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Something else

If you need support in any of the ways not listed you can still contact us for assistance. We may still be able to provide you with support, guidance or information you need, or we may be able to help you find this somewhere else. Velos is part of a large network of organisations and groups that work collectively to try to meet the various needs of young people in Athens. 

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Social space

Velos Youth is a place in the centre of Athens where young people between the ages of 16 and 25 can come and feel safe and supported. We have an open-door policy, which means anyone within this age range is welcome to come in. In our space, you can come and connect with others, make yourself a drink, have lunch, play board or PlayStation games, visit our library to read a book or to find a quiet place to do your homework and have access to WiFi and laptops. You can also join our workshops and activities that give an opportunity to learn something new, or develop a new skill. Check out our monthly program for more information on what is coming up.

We also provide facilities for showering and laundry, and specialised support in areas such as mental health, housing, legal aid, education, and employability. You can find more information about these on the other service pages.

Social service

The Social Service provided by Velos Youth can help you address a wide range of needs and challenges related to your social integration, emotional well-being, education, and overall development.

Specifically, we provide individual one-to-one casework for young refugees and asylum seekers. This involves conducting initial registrations, accommodation applications, and making internal and external referrals to the support and services you may need. We can also assist with legal asylum procedures, health related matters, and address basic needs by providing clothing and other essential items. Additionally, we can conduct a best interest assessment (BIA) for a family reunification application should you wish to join a family member in another European country.

We can also support you with bureaucratic issues which may include navigating administrative procedures, completing necessary forms and applications, and providing guidance and information to help you effectively address bureaucratic challenges.

By providing the above elements into the social service provision, Velos Youth can ensure a comprehensive approach to helping you to settle in Athens, or further afield!

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Shower & laundry facilities

Every young person who visits our space has access to our shower facilities simply by signing their name on our list, and with a 30-minute notice to set the boiler on to ensure there is enough hot water. We also provide clean towels, shampoo, and shower gel and if we have clothing donations available, we can occasionally offer underwear and t-shirts, as well as razors for shaving and a hairdryer for your convenience.

Every young person visiting our space has access to our laundry facilities too. We provide laundry detergent and a dedicated area on the balcony where anyone can easily hang their clothes to dry.

Legal support

We provide various types of legal assistance and support to young asylum seekers, including the preparation for asylum interviews, appeals against negative decisions or age assessment outcomes, filing family reunification applications, and facilitating the renewal of IDs and travel documents. Legal counselling can also be provided for any issue that has to do with labour, social security and in general young people and refugee rights in Greek society. You can also reach out to Velos for information about the monthly legal workshops which cover a variety of topics.

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English classes

English classes are held at Velos Youth five days a week and are delivered by a professional English teacher. A certificate of attendance is offered upon completion of 80 hours of lessons which can be shown to a prospective employer. Preparation and training for internationally recognised language certificates (Michigan and Cambridge University) are also supported, in specially designed group levels.

Registrations daily.

Why not sign up today?

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Hot food

We are very happy to work together with the Saffron Kitchen Project and to offer 35 portions of hot, fresh meals every day at our day center. This partnership allows young people in our center to have a tasty and healthy meal when they visit us. There is a variety of recipes and the use of ingredients reflecting diverse backgrounds contribute in the most meaningful way to the overall sense of care that we try to provide. The menu is printed and displayed in our space so that everyone can see what meals are available during the week and our lunchtime is from 13:30 to 14:30.


Single donations are put to use in accordance with the season, the young person’s needs and the stage of their journey they are at. It is important for a young person to feel safe by having decent clothing, a reliable means of communication, and access to a range of services.


We make sure that is the case, thanks to your help.