Take Part (Project Spira)

A forum to bring young people into the social debate in southeast Skåne where they can raise the issues that are vital to them right now.

The project aimed to strengthen young people’s engagement and voice in south-eastern Skåne by creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration between young people, decision-makers and local actors. Focusing on three themes – mental health, environmental engagement and the future of association life – the project wanted to address issues that affect young people’s well-being and future prospects. The goal was also to create a long-term channel for dialogue and collaboration in the region.

The project began with digital workshops with participants of different ages and backgrounds. After recruiting young project staff, seminars and panel debates on age power structures were arranged at Ystad Summit. A separate ”Take Part” day was also arranged on themes such as performance anxiety, gaming, the environment, club life and a workshop on boys’ mental health. Young artists performed and a film crew documented the event. Together with the youth farm Soffta in Tomelilla, a day out with activities around circular thinking was later arranged. The project staff also participated in national events arranged by the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society (MUCF) and Youth 2030 and were present at the politicians’ week in Almedalen. In 2024, a website was launched with educational material and digitized content from previous activities.

The project resulted in the establishment of the association Take Part, which continues to strengthen young people's engagement and create long-term collaborations and/or projects with actors such as Fryshuset, MUCF and the municipalities in southeast Skåne. The project has increased awareness of age power structures and improved the relationship between young people and decision-makers. The project has also spread knowledge via social media and reached thousands with its digital and physical content.

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This is a good project idea. Investments in young people's mental health, young people's engagement in environmental and climate issues, and young people's understanding of democratic principles and values are highly relevant and important for our entire society.