Kristianstad Launches 'Gott Liv' Project to Boost Health and Community Participation in Näsby and Gamlegården

Kristianstad municipality has secured 2.5 million SEK in funding from the European Social Fund to initiate the 'Gott liv – hälsa och delaktighet' (Good Life – Health and Participation) project. This initiative targets improving health, social inclusion, and community engagement among residents who are distanced from employment or education, specifically in the neighborhoods of Näsby and Gamlegården.

The project is scheduled to start in September 2026 and will run through the end of 2028. It involves close collaboration between the municipality, local civil society organizations, Kristianstad University, and the residents themselves. A central component is the establishment of a volunteer network where community members can contribute their time, knowledge, and local expertise to organize activities and welcome new participants.

Activities will be specifically designed based on the needs and preferences of the residents and include health workshops, social events, and initiatives aimed at fostering social and physical activity. The project expects to engage approximately 300 participants over its duration, with the goal of reducing involuntary loneliness—a growing public health concern—by building social ties and enhancing trust toward societal support systems.

Project leader Arvid Hallberg-Ursa expressed gratitude for the funding and highlighted the project's long-term potential benefits. He emphasized that "the project offers a unique opportunity to develop sustainable approaches that promote both health and community involvement." This initiative also focuses on addressing involuntary loneliness as a significant public health issue by facilitating greater social interaction and community participation.

Overall, 'Gott liv – hälsa och delaktighet' represents a concerted effort to create accessible, community-led activities that enhance the well-being of vulnerable groups in Kristianstad, fostering a stronger, more connected community in the targeted neighborhoods.