Youth centre Velenje

Youth centre Velenje is a public institution established in 1996 by the municipality of Velenje. We operate autonomously (in programme and realization), however we do comply with national and local directions, we connect and offer services to partner organizations which engage in youth work or are in the public interest. The organization is divided into these groups: culture, society, multimedia, social, youth hostel and student dormitory. These groups mix and co-create projects. Throughout the years we established strong connections with local and regional organizations, for instance we work closely with the Velenje municipality, student club (ŠŠK) and Youth council Velenje. Our main goals are: youth autonomy, informal education with less opportunities in society, volunteering, solidarity and youth intergenerational cooperation, youth mobility and international connection, healthy lifestyle and addiction prevention, access to culture and encouraging youth creativity and innovation, cooperation of youth in managing public affairs in society. The goals change depending on youth's needs and initiative. In our work we encourage ''out-of-the-box'' thinking and active participation of youth through all phases in their projects. We focus on local youth (15-30 years) which we include in our local, national and European projects. Primary-age children, specifically those with less opportunities are our focus group in SMO (afternoon centre for children and youth), while teenagers are reached through the youth club eMCe plac, student organizations and youth societies. The Youth center carries out regular activities as well as traditional projects (Festival of young cultures, Indicamp for children, Horror House, etc.) and it is our pleasure and pride that we always try to challenge ourselves with new projects as partners join different ideas expressed by youth. Main activities: Centre for children and youth (SMO) is a program meant for children, adolescents and their family. In the afternoon primary aged children can receive help with studying and homework. The young visitors spend their free time with fun and creative activities, they make new friends, socialize with European volunteers, with which they learn and practice their English, they also cook, create, learn the basics of martial art and self-defence, play board games and sports, organize sports tournaments, etc. Day centre for mental health My club (MOJ KLUB) is meant for individuals with mental health problems and offers visitors a safe and trusted space where their privacy is respected. It also offers help to integrate into their environment and helps them contact different institutions. It's a place to socialize, do various workshops and talks, they go on walks and trips, play board games and sports. A self-help group is also in the process of being established. The volunteer group MC Udarnik Velenje helps people in social distress, the elderly and those whose health issues limit the work they can do themselves. They offer help with physical chores and also help various organizations, institutions and societies that work in the interest of the local community. They have expanded their activities to visiting and entertaining various socially excluded groups. They are also active in Velenje's solidarity project Kamerat, that offers elderly and handicapped residents free transportation during the week to help with errands. During the epidemic of 2020 they received a recognition award "Jabolko navdiha" from Slovenia’s president because of the amazing work they did during the COVID-19 crisis with their project »Naše ulice so prazne, naša srca ne«(Our streets are empty but not our hearts). In Kunigunda, regional multimedia centre, they do production and post production of audio and video content, photography, photocopying, print posters and flyers, do graphic design and help with events. Culture is explored through the Youth institution of Šaleška valley (eMCe plac) where they prod