On March 2, Erikshjälpen Second Hand opens the doors for the pop-up shop at Asecs in Jönköping. The store focuses on clothes and accessories, with elements of goods for home and household. The name of the store is secondhand.se by Erikshjälpen.
In 1990, Erikshjälpen Second Hand's first stores were opened. The shops were started to raise money for the social and humanitarian efforts of the Erikshjälpen Foundation. Today, there are 52 stores around Sweden, all of which contribute to Erikshjälpen's work. Now Erikshjälpen Second Hand takes another step and opens a pop-up store.
It is with open arms that we welcome Erikshjälpen and all the good they stand for and do.
Johanna Donker works as a center manager at Asecs in Jönköping and she describes that their visitors have long requested second hand at the shopping center.
- We have continuous contact with our visitors and listen to their wishes, and many have longed for second hand at Asecs. It is with open arms that we welcome Erikshjälpen and all the good they stand for and do.
The store at Asecs is the first of its kind, and Erikshjälpen Second Hand hopes to make similar investments in other locations.
- "We are so excited about this opportunity. By establishing ourselves in a well-attended shopping center like Asecs, we hope to inspire even more people to shop circularly," says Annette Alm Gustafsson, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
We hope to inspire even more people to shop circularly.
Store information
secondhand.se by Erikshjälpen can be found at the Asecs shopping center in Jönköping. The store is located next to Åhléns, near entrance A, and has a carefully selected range of clothing and accessories with elements of goods for home and household.
Opening hours: secondhand.se by Erikshjälpen
February 24 marks two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Two years of war, fear and human suffering. From day one, Erikshjälpen has been on the side of the children and together with local partner organisations we have been able to help Ukrainian children and families. But the need for humanitarian and psychosocial support is still great.
Early in the morning of 24 February 2022, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian children and families have endured 730 days of war. 730 days of fear, air raids and trauma. When Ukraine was invaded, Erikshjälpen was there early on to support children and families, both those who fled and those who remained in the country. Through local partner organisations , immediate help was provided with a special focus on the situation of children. In the early days of the war, assistance focused on providing people with supplies and cash, and helping with information and registration at borders. Today, the need for support and interventions remains high.
UNHCR estimates that over 14 million people are in urgent need of Humanitarian Assistance. Most are women and children.
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Your gift will help ensure that war-affected children in Ukraine receive the help they need to feel safe.
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Over time, the need for psychosocial support has increased. Since the beginning of the war, Erikshjälpen has supported the local partner Women's Consortium of Ukraine (WCU), which offers counseling and image therapy. WCU also has a support line that children and adults can call. The psychologists who work with the support line testify to how the calls were initially about getting practical help. Now the calls are more about finding joy in life in the midst of a burning war. Children as young as 11 call in worried about losing a family member or friend. Psychologist Tetiana Grigorieva, who works with the support line, explains:
- The children who call us have often lost a close relative and we can support them in the grieving process. The calls help the children express their feelings and deal with the immense pain of losing a relative. Especially if it was someone who was very close to them and meant everything to them.
Children who call us have often lost a loved one.
The situation in Ukraine is serious. Erikshjälpen is present where the need is greatest and together with our local partner organization, our work continues.
Read more about Erikshjälpen's work in Ukraine
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad has been awarded the prize for Child Rights Project of the Year 2024 by the company JP Infonet. Erikshjälpen received the newly established award on February 7, 2024 during the Children's Convention Day conference.
During the 2024 edition of the Children's Convention Day conference, the information and knowledge company JP Infonet awarded the Children's Rights Project of the Year prize for the first time. With this award, the company wants to recognize a project that has contributed with particular value and development in the proactive work for children's rights. Children's Ombudsman Elisabeth Dahlin presented the diploma with a prize of SEK 25,000.
- We have chosen to give the award to Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad for their rights-based and long-term work with child participation. The project has produced good results that we think are well worth spreading further, says Helena Reinius, project manager at JP Infonet.
We have chosen to give the award to Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad for their rights-based and long-term work with child participation.
Håkan Giselsson and Birgitta Johansson
Håkan Giselsson works as a unit manager at Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad, tells how it was to receive the award.
- The award is a fantastic recognition of our staff at the local Future Workshops. Together with children and parents, they are driving real change and helping to create hope and confidence in the future.
Birgitta Johansson is the head of Erikshjälpen's Sweden department and she was also there to receive the award.
- We are so proud and happy about this award, which means a lot to make our business visible.
Jury's motivation
Erikshjälpen works in a rights-based and long-term manner with child participation as a starting point. Future workshops have produced strong results, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Evaluations of the Future Workshops highlight that participants have increased hope and faith in the future, and not least a feeling of being able to influence and make their voice heard. The Future Workshops are well worth scaling up and spreading around our country.
On February 1, 2024 Mattias Ingeson took office as Secretary General of Erikshjälpen. In a time of conflict and economic turmoil, he wants to create a stronger image of what the organization does in Sweden and the world.
-"Sometimes you get the feeling that the good forces only investigate, research and talk while those who cause chaos in the world get things done," says Mattias Ingeson. Erikshjälpen wants to influence and spread knowledge about children's rights but at the same time be a "doer", working every day to make a real difference in people's lives.
A common thread in Mattias Ingeson's career is his commitment to society. His law studies were never motivated by the dream of big law firms, but by commitment and a desire to help others.
Mattias has a background in Erikshjälpen
When Erikshjälpen was looking for a new international director in 2007, Mattias didn't know much about the organization, other than that it was the only one of its kind in the region working with international child rights.
He came into contact with Erikshjälpen at just the right time. The organization wanted to scale up its Sida cooperation and was looking for someone with experience in organizational strategy.
Mattias was given the job of international director, but his position was changed at the very first management meeting. A new Secretary-General was to be appointed and with his skills and experience, it was natural for Mattias to become the boss's right-hand man.
Mattias' first time at Erikshjälpen lasted 12 years, then it was time for new challenges. As regional manager at Bilda, he was given the opportunity to be the sole leader and take the main responsibility. But after five years at Bilda, the offer came that felt so obvious to say yes to.
-I have never really let go of Erikshjälpen. It's been five years since the last time, which is long enough to come back with renewed vigor, but short enough for me to know what I'm coming back to.
Inherited her social commitment from her mother
Mattias Ingeson has always been interested in the identity of an organization. How Erikshjälpen has been formed and become what it is. The story of the founder Erik appeals to him, and he recognizes the drive and social commitment in his own life. Not least from his childhood with a mother who always stood by the children.
-"I definitely got a lot of my commitment from her," says Mattias. "In my new role, I can contribute with my social commitment and my drive in children's rights issues.
Men are bad at second-hand shopping
Living climate friendly
Mattias' commitment is not just about children's rights. Recycling is also important to him and there is more than one garment from Erikshjälpen Second Hand hanging in the closet in Russnäs.
"I want to live in a climate-friendly way, but it's also about the search, the treasure hunt. In general, men are not good at second-hand shopping and I'm happy to lead the way. I wear something second-hand every day, whether for work or leisure.
A varied life
Mattias Ingeson is originally from Linköping, but for the past 20 years the family has lived in his wife Karin's home area, Russnäs outside Eksjö. Life in the countryside and in a small context suits him, but equally important is to be where the action is.
-I like to have a fixed point in my life that is quiet and restful, but I still like to live in the heat of the moment.
Spring is almost here, with its light and hopefulness. But much about the future looks anything but bright. Mattias Ingeson is taking over as leader of Erikshjälpen at a difficult time, and he is aware of this.
-"I'm not intimidated, but instead motivated by finding ways forward," says Mattias. There is a kind of problem-solving spirit within Erikshjälpen that I have great faith in and look forward to being a part of.
Facts about Erikshjälpen's new Secretary-General
Name: Mattias Ingeson
Born: March 8, 1974
Lives: Russnäs in Eksjö municipality
Family: Wife Karin and children Axel, 19, Gustav, 17 and Märta, 14.
Interests: Outdoor life, sports and athletics, has been a football coach for many years.
Favorite food: Lasagna
Listening Ulla Nilsson, Erikshjälpen's founder Erik Nilsson's widow and driving force in Erikshjälpen's work, has passed away at the age of 91.
Just before the Christmas holidays, the news came that Ulla Nilsson has passed away. Ulla was 91 years old and was involved in Erikshjälpens activities to the very end. Ulla met Erik Nilsson, the founder of Erikshjälpen, in the late 1950s and they found each other even though the geographical distance between them was long. They started exchanging letters, met at a train station and became a couple - against all odds.
Ulla and Erik married in 1958. By then, Erik had already started work on what would later become Erikshjälpen. Erik suffered from an incurable hemophilia and when he was hospitalized for long periods, Ulla kept the work going. She is the founder of the successful "Systerns låda", which brought joy to generations of sick children in Sweden, and when Erik passed away in 1966, it was Ulla who ensured that the work could continue.
Ulla and Erik Nilsson's wedding photo in 1958.
Ulla and Erik Nilsson's wedding photo in 1958.
Ulla was cautious and withdrawn, but also determined and realistic with a wonderful sense of humor and generosity. She was always interested in Erikshjälpen's work and always concerned that every krona that came in would be used correctly. Her presence and deep friendship with both staff and donors has over the years given security and stability to Erikshjälpen.
As natural as it is for a 91-year-old to leave this earthly life, it is equally sad that she is no longer around. While there is a tremendous sadness and loss, there is also a tremendous gratitude for all the good that Ulla accomplished during her time here on earth. All thoughts are with Ulla and Erik's beloved children and their respective families.
Honoring Ulla's life's work
Here you have the opportunity to honor Ulla's life's work with a gift.
Honor Ulla Nilsson's life's work with a gift
Erikshjälpen was present during Musikhjälpen 2023 in Växjö, where Anne Wachira was one of the guests in the glass cage at Kärlekens torg. On this year's theme, no one should have to die of hunger, Anne talked about Erikshjälpen's work in northeastern Kenya.
People are already living on the margins and now the drought has escalated the situation.
Food is a human right, but despite this, millions of people around the world die every day as a result of malnutrition. Erikshjälpen has been working with the food shortage in Marsabit for many years in various projects, including together with the local organization "Food for the Hungry". The efforts include both countering acute malnutrition but also creating better resilience to the increasingly frequent droughts.
- Marsabit and surrounding regions have always been affected by drought, but in recent times there has been no chance of recovery between droughts, pushing the area into acute food shortages. "Nearly a fifth of children in Marsabit are at risk of dying from malnutrition," says Anne Wachira.
Almost a fifth of children are at risk of dying from malnutrition.
Anne Wachira.
Anne Wachira.
Anne Wachira brought a thermos filled with a Kenyan gruel for presenters Linnea Wikblad and Sofia Dalén to taste. A common meal in Kenya, but unfortunately something that most families in Marsabit cannot afford.
When asked how Erikshjälpen is working specifically to counteract the effects of the drought and food shortages in Marsabit, Anne said that both emergency humanitarian aid and more long-term work are taking place.
- In addition to providing the most urgent aid in the form of food and water, we are also working to create a more stable food supply for families by having more sources of income than livestock farming and supporting them in growing things that can withstand drought better, more climate-adapted, said Anne Wachira.
Watch Erikshjälpen's participation in the glass cage via the link: Musikhjälpen - Tuesday, December 12, SVT Play.
Read more about Erikshjälpen's work in Africa
During week 50, Erikshjälpen will participate in Musikhjälpen. In the glass cage, Anne Wachira will talk about the work in Kenya and on the main square, Second Hand will be in one of the tents.
The theme of this year's Musikhjälpen is "no one should die of hunger". Food is a human right, yet millions of people around the world die every day from malnutrition. And around one in ten people don't know when or what they will eat next.
Will talk about the work in Kenya
Erikshjälpen will be there when Musikhjälpen starts its 144-hour live broadcast from the main square in Växjö. Inside the glass cage, Anne Wachira, head of the international program department at Erikshjälpen, will talk about the work currently underway in Kenya. In parts of the country there is a drought that has worsened an already difficult situation and pushed the country into an acute food shortage.
Almost a fifth of the children where Erikshjälpen works are at risk of dying from malnutrition.
Anne Wachira, Head of Unit in the International Programs Department.
Anne Wachira, Head of Unit in the International Programs Department.
- "Almost a fifth of the children where Erikshjälpen works are at risk of dying from malnutrition," says Anne Wachira.
Erikshjälpen has supported interventions in Marsabit in northern Kenya for 30 years and now works together with the organization "Food for the Hungry" in various projects to improve access to food, nutrition and child protection.
- We want to tackle acute malnutrition among children in Marsabit, but also try to build community resilience over time and address the underlying causes of food insecurity," says Anne Wachira.
Second hand sales and volunteer recruitment
During the week that Musikhjälpen is broadcasting from Växjö, Erikshjälpen Second Hand will also be present in one of the tents on the main square. There will be goods from the second hand shop in Växjö together with more information about what it is like to be a Volunteer in a second hand shop.
Employees from the second-hand shop in Växjö will also furnish two dressing rooms used by the artists participating in Musikhjälpen.
Author: Anthon Talhaug
On the Day of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November, Erikshjälpen, together with Jönköping University and the County Administrative Board of Jönköping, organized a children's rights conference.
Erikshjälpen offered a packed day with different perspectives on children's rights.
It was an intense afternoon for the approximately 300 people in the audience in the auditorium at Jönköping University. The theme of the day was children's right to safe and equal growing conditions and included several interesting discussions on what Sweden needs to do better to implement the UN recommendations regarding children.
Sweden's Children's Ombudsman Elisabeth Dahlin talked about how unequal conditions for growing up are a breeding ground for exclusion. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has made recommendations to Sweden on education, a safe childhood, and children's right to life and health. The recommendations show that there is still much to be done in Sweden.
- Society's ability to recognize and act to protect children who are victims of violence or abuse must be strengthened. When parents fail to care, society has a duty to help and protect the child," says Elisabeth Dahlin.
When parents fail to provide care, society has a duty to help and protect the child.
Elisabeth Dahlin, Swedish Ombudsman for Children.
Elisabeth Dahlin, Swedish Ombudsman for Children.
Research and working for change
During the Children's Rights Conference, participants also learned about research on how children can reach their full potential in times of austerity. Frida Lygnegård, a child researcher at Jönköping University, got the audience to think about how we view children and how this affects our actions.
In her presentation, children's rights consultant and author Åsa Ekman concretized some of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child's recommendations and gave examples of how we can work to better implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child here in Sweden.
- We all need to work for a change and I want to highlight what we need to get better at to strengthen children's rights," says Åsa Ekman.
Frida Lygnegård, child researcher.
Åsa Ekman, child rights consultant and author.
Frida Lygnegård, child researcher.
Åsa Ekman, child rights consultant and author.
We all need to work for a change and I want to highlight what we need to do better to strengthen children's rights.
"What no one can know about dad"
During the conference, the question of what it is like to grow up with a family member deprived of liberty was also raised. Here, too, there were interesting discussions with representatives from Vårsol Samtalscenter, the Rescue Mission and actors Aja Rodas and Mats Jäderlund, who showed us glimpses of the theater performance "What no one can know about dad". The play depicted what it is like to grow up with a family member deprived of liberty and has been shown in schools around Sweden.
From left: Emma, Rescue Mission, Aja Rodas, actor and Mats Jäderlund, actor.
From left: Emma, Rescue Mission, Aja Rodas, actor and Mats Jäderlund, actor.
The moderator during the children's rights conference was Erikshjälpen's Secretary-General Daniel Grahn.
- I think it was a fantastic day with many topical and important presentations, but it is clear that we have a long way to go before we can take children's rights for granted. My hope is that Erikshjälpen can continue to be a rallying point for all good forces that want to do good for children.
Daniel Grahn, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen, moderated the conference.
Daniel Grahn, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen, moderated the conference.
Mattias Ingeson will be entrusted with leading Erikshjälpen forward. Mattias was previously Deputy Secretary-General at Erikshjälpen between 2007 and 2019.
Although it may sound cliché, it actually feels like 'coming home'.
Mattias Ingeson, new Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen.
Mattias Ingeson, new Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen.
- Although it may sound cliché, it actually feels like 'coming home'. There is something special about a child rights organisation founded by a child. It doesn't matter if it's a child in rural Kenya or in the suburbs of Sweden. Everyone should have a chance at a good life.
It was with great pleasure that Erikshjälpen's board today presented its new Secretary-General.
- With his long experience from civil society and with an eye for innovation, we believe that Mattias will be the leader who will take Erikshjälpen into the future, says Chairman of the Board Anna Lönn Lundbäck. Mattias has a wide network of contacts, a sharp pen and a warm manner. He is an experienced leader, who with his legal expertise and experience of public contexts will help Erikshjälpen to become an even more important social actor.
With his long experience from civil society and with an eye for innovation, we believe that Mattias will be the leader who takes Erikshjälpen into the future.
Anna Lönn Lundbäck, Chairman of the Board of Erikshjälpen.
Anna Lönn Lundbäck, Chairman of the Board of Erikshjälpen.
This summer, Erikshjälpen announced that the current Secretary-General Daniel Grahn will leave at the end of the year after having been in the post since he took office in 2015. He will be succeeded by Mattias Ingeson, former Regional Director at the study association Bilda. After studying law in Uppsala, Mattias worked for several years as head of unit at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. During the following 12 years as Deputy Secretary-General at Erikshjälpen, he was also responsible for the development of the organization.
- It makes me feel more secure in my new role. I am confident in the structure and the mission, but I also feel great respect for everything that has happened in the five years I have been away, but also curiosity.
Mattias will take up his post as Secretary-General on 1 February 2024.
(Daniel Grahn remains in service until the end of January)
The facts
Name: Mattias Ingeson
Age: 49 years
Family: Spouse Karin and three children: Axel, 19, Gustav 17 and Märta 14
Lives: In Russnäs, between Eksjö and Vetlanda, but originally from Linköping.
Current: New Secretary-General for Erikshjälpen
On 30 November, Erikshjälpen Second Hand will end its collaboration with the local association Mitt Norden Biståndscenter, which runs the second-hand shops in Västernorrland County and Östersund.
The stores will continue to operate in the same way as before but under a different name.
It is with sadness in our hearts that we leave the organization after many years of good cooperation.
Erikshjälpen Second Hand's Executive Director Anette Alm Gustafsson.
Erikshjälpen Second Hand's Executive Director Anette Alm Gustafsson.
- "It is with sadness in our hearts that we leave the organization after many years of good cooperation," says Anette Alm Gustafsson, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
Mitt Norden Biståndscenter is an association consisting of free church congregations in the region. The eleven Second Hand shops in cooperation with Erikshjälpen are located in Hudiksvall, Sundsvall, Timrå, Härnösand, Kramfors, Sollefteå, Fränsta, Ånge and Östersund.
When Erikshjälpen Second Hand now chooses to leave the collaboration, it is due to different opinions and thoughts on how the business should develop in the long term and how it can best generate help and support for those who are in difficulty, both in Sweden and in the world. For a long time, both parties have been working to find a solution, but without success.
- Warm thanks to Mitt Norden Biståndscenter, all employees, donors and customers for a good cooperation and commitment during the 30 years that Erikshjälpen Second Hand has been in the area and which has enabled interventions for children's rights around the world, says Anette Alm Gustafsson.
Author: Lena Elf
