SE26 project
Culture and leisure guides help children find their activity
Skellefteå municipality's investment in cultural and leisure guides is in full swing. The method for the work has been inspired by Copenhagen, and Skellefteå is the first in Sweden to introduce the model. The results are positive, and the initiative clearly shows how targeted support and personal meetings can make a real difference in children's lives.
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All children have the right to rest, play, and meaningful leisure time.
– It is a human right for children and young people to have meaningful leisure time. In our rich cultural and associative life, all young people should have the opportunity to find joy in the community with their peers and in the training or activity. That's why this initiative is so important – it's about giving all children the same chance to participate and thrive, says Marie Bergslycka (V), Chair of the Leisure Committee.
Skellefteå municipality has invested in a method that guides children and young people to cultural and leisure activities. Now the work has been scaled up and become a permanent part of the activities within the culture and leisure office.
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Marie Bergslycka (V), Chair of the Leisure Committee.
The range of cultural and leisure activities has been steadily increasing, which improves children's chances of finding something that suits them. At the same time, it can be a challenge for both children and parents to navigate through all the options and find activities that really match their interests and needs. Still, there are children who have not yet found their context – something that the guide aims to change.
Cultural and leisure guidance is about supporting the child and family based on needs and conditions. The work is done in collaboration with schools, associations and families. Before the guides visit a school, they gather information about the activities available in the area, both from associations and the cultural school, so that the children can see what opportunities they have. Children and young people are then asked to choose what they want to try from the options available.
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Emma Viklund, Coordinator, Culture and Leisure Guiding.
– We have started working with 40 schools and 80 associations, and so far this year we have guided 138 children to 27 different activities. The response has been very positive, many people want to contribute to children having a leisure time they enjoy, says Emma Viklund, Coordinator, Culture and Leisure Guiding.
Please get in touch with us!
Contact: kulturochfritidsguide@skelleftea.se
Questions and answers on cultural and leisure guiding
The work is based on Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which establishes the right of all children to rest, play and meaningful leisure. The project addresses the challenge of unequal access to leisure activities. Many children are currently excluded from organized leisure environments, which affects both health and social inclusion.
By including more children in associations and cultural activities at an early stage, the project strengthens integration, public health and social sustainability – factors that contribute to a more equal and cohesive Skellefteå.
Locally, the initiative strengthens children and young people's opportunities for community and development. Regionally, the approach inspires other municipalities in Västerbotten, and internationally Skellefteå shows the way in how children's rights perspectives can be put into practice.
In the short term, more children have access to activities that suit them. In the long term, this strengthens their self-esteem, social networks and health. Being embedded in the regular activities ensures that the method lives on and is continuously developed.
The sustainability of the project is ensured by the fact that the cultural and leisure guiding is now part of the regular activities of the Culture and Leisure Office. This means that the approach is not dependent on temporary project funding, but is integrated into the municipality's organization in the long term. Through continuous collaboration between schools, associations, the Culture School and social activities, stable networks are built that have lasting effects.
Yes, the need for cooperation between schools, associations and social activities is central. There is also potential in exchanging experiences with other municipalities and international actors.
The project is close to the strategy area A place to thrive, where the focus is on creating a place where people feel good, develop and feel a sense of belonging.
The main target group is children and young people who have not yet found their place in cultural or leisure life. Communication activities are carried out in cooperation with schools, families and associations, as well as through local information activities.
The project contributes directly to the vision by creating conditions for well-being, participation and community. Meaningful leisure is a cornerstone of a sustainable and inclusive society.
Read more: SE26 project
Sidinformation
- Senast uppdaterad:
- 29 October 2025