Collaborating for Change | The Lobby

Young people leaving detention often face a cascade of problems: debts, no place to live, no job or education. Reintegrating into society is far from easy—especially with the stark divide between life ‘inside’ and ‘outside’. While support systems typically end at the prison gate, this is exactly when structure, guidance and connection are most needed.

In the project De LOBBY, Stichting Zwerfjongeren Nederland, social design studio Afdeling Buitengewone Zaken and youth coach Camiel Hageman joined forces with young people to design a different approach. Instead of offering pre-made solutions, they started with questions: what would have helped you prepare for life outside? Through in-depth conversations and co-design sessions inside juvenile detention centres, they created practical tools—from a checklist to prepare for release, to a network map and a member card granting access to services like mentoring or something as simple as a cup of coffee.

This approach focuses on recognition, trust and ownership. Young people share their own stories in a podcast—also played inside detention—and a growing local network of allies is ready to support them upon release. The strength of this project lies in combining lived experience, creativity, and real connection with the people it’s meant for.

This video is part of the ‘Collaborating for Change’ series, highlighting what becomes possible when designers, researchers, policymakers and societal partners join forces. These collaborations create new ways to tackle stuck systems—and truly move them forward.

Special thanks to Danielle Steffens and Anne Runia.