EU Project Experience

‍Some experience

Depaul has extensive experience of developing, delivering, and managing an EU-funded volunteer programme under the Erasmus + programme.

Since 2004 we have been hosting and coordinating international volunteers through the European Solidarity Corps (EVS) initiative. The programme funds our international volunteer project and ensures that we have much needed volunteer support to deliver additional activities in our services. We are accredited to take 6 international volunteers each year and we partner with 2-3 supporting organisations in various European countries to select the right candidates. Under the direction of Léargas who manages this international exchange programme, we have now hosted in the region of 80 volunteers from various EU countries. Find out more about our Erasmus + funded work here.

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‍EU Funding Goals

We want to focus on building a network, learning, and participating as a partner in projects in new areas.

Specifically, we are interested in connecting with partners who we can work with on developing projects such as migrant peer led programmes. We have implemented a Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Programme here in Ireland and we are interested in developing a similar programme for our migrant service users. We are interested in housing as we see it as the way forward. In 2021 we formally established Depaul Housing, an Approved Housing Body. Housing is something we would like to explore at an EU level.

We are also interested in developing training programmes and a graduate programme. Our timeline for this would be roughly.

• In 1-2 years - have successfully secured 1-2 projects and gained experience with EU projects.
• In 3-5 years - be very experienced and be working with multiple organisations across the EU.
• In 5-10 years - be a recognised EU partner and have projects which encompass all areas of our work including Housing, Prevention, Families & Young People, Health & Rehabilitation and High Support Accommodation

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Strengths

We are one of the largest providers of homeless services in Ireland and operate 37 unique services. We have a strong national presence and a cross-border remit and are one of the only charities addressing homelessness in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

• 20 years’ experience in delivery specialist services to people who find themselves homeless.
• 18 years of experience in delivering Erasmus + funded projects.
• Proven track record in securing grant income and delivering very successful projects. We have worked with many funding partners on grants including BBC Children in Need, The Ireland Funds and The Community Foundation for Ireland.
• We are part of Depaul International, a group of 7 subsidiaries based in two continents and we can use the experience of this wider network for the benefit of an EU funded project.
• As a values-led organisation we bring clear direction and purpose to all projects.