Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad Halmstad has been inaugurated

With an open house, cake, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad in Linehed, Halmstad.

“We want to create a sense of an extended living room here—a safe place where children and young people are met by someone who believes in them and where they can feel that the future belongs to them,” says program coordinator Yasemin Celik.

No Future Workshop without collaboration

Several of Erikshjälpen’s key partners were in attendance at the opening ceremony. Representatives from the City of Halmstad, civil society, and the housing company HFAB were given a tour of the new facility.

The initiative in Linehed has been made possible with support from the Ljungbergska Foundation and will be carried out in collaboration with several local partners. Plans are already underway for a number of activities, in partnership with HFAB and others, to engage children and young people in the area.

“Halmstad should be a safe municipality with a strong sense of community,” says Anna Wallefors, Deputy Municipal Director of Halmstad Municipality. “Collaboration with civil society is key to our success, and we are convinced that Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad contribute to this.”

A place for support, community, and growth

The Future Workshop in Halmstad is intended to be a safe place where young people can grow both individually and together with others. Children and young people have a say in deciding which activities are offered and which issues are important to address.

The Future Workshop will also serve as a gathering place for the whole family. The goal is to strengthen parenting and contribute to positive development throughout the area.

The program is led by Yasemin Celik and Karin Tengnäs, who both have experience in social work with young people and parents, as well as in children’s rights.

“We complement each other very well, both in our preventive and promotional efforts,” says Karin.

In close collaboration with Erikshjälpen Second Hand

The idea is for Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad serve as a bridge between families, civil society, and the workforce—and to create new opportunities for those who are excluded from the labor market.

That is why a key part of the initiative is the partnership with the local Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Jannica Johansson, employment coordinator for Framtidsverkstaden, has her office in the store. From there, she will help young people and parents get closer to the workforce through job training and networking, among other things.

“We hope to play a key role in the municipality’s efforts to support young people who are unemployed while transitioning from school to work, and to create new paths forward,” says Jannica Johansson.

For a future with equal opportunities for all

Karin and Yasemin are now looking forward to meeting children, young people, and parents in Linehed. One of the first activities being organized is a study workshop in collaboration with the Red Cross and the Halmstad parish. A resume workshop is also being organized to help young people take steps toward entering the workforce. And on April 11, a community fair will be held in Linehed Park where local organizations can present their activities and inspire more people to get involved in community life.

“The Future Workshop is meant to be a place where young people feel included, where more of them can find paths to further education or employment. We want to support and guide both young people and parents toward the right kind of support and opportunities,” says Karin.

Karin and Yasemin hope that Framtidsverkstaden will become an integral part of Linehed. The initiative is intended to be a key component in the effort to promote equal opportunities for children and young people and to strengthen their prospects in the area.

Author: Lena Elf

Photographer: Lena Elf