this paper presents the results of research using lifeworld analysis to capture the lived experience of young people ‘on the margins’. in this research, lifeworld analysis is applied as a grounding technique in an action research project aimed at designing, implementing and evaluating a novel training programme to develop a new role in youth work - the ‘comunity Animateur’. More broadly, the action research explores the contribution marginalised young people could potentially make to enhancing the social capital of their communities and, ultimately, the contribution they could make to supporting socio-ecological transformations in Europe.

The present study is concerned with the outcomes from a training programme on addiction counselling addressed to medical students in Greece. The programme is the result of a collaborative curriculum development between KETHEA, a drug treatment organisation for heroin addicts, and HeLMSIC, a human rights organisation of medical students in Greece. The programme was developed as a response to the absence of relevant courses within the medical schools in this country. The study presents the local context in relation to heroin use, access to treatment and training curricula. The study also presents a small-scale research conducted on medical students’ beliefs and attitudes about their understanding about drug use. Research findings suggest that actions towards developing a holistic learning framework comprising core elements about drug use treatment and recovery are important for a better response to the needs of drug users and heroin addicts in Greece.