Facts

Contact person:
Erika Hellberg
Financer:
  • Institutionen för Vårdvetenskap hälsa och Samhälle Citizen health
Responsible at MaU:
Elisabeth Mangrio
Project members at MaU:
External project members:
  • Therese Sterner HTA syd Region Skåne
Collaborators :
  • The Organisation Helamalmö
Time frame:
01 October 2025 - 30 September 2030
Faculty/department:
Research environment :
Research subject:

About the project

Social and environmental determinants strongly affect children’s well-being, with poverty contributing to growing health inequalities. The city of Malmö has several socioeconomically disadvantaged areas as identified by the Swedish Police Authority, according to whom such areas are characterised by low socioeconomic status and the impact of crime on the community. Growing up in a disadvantaged area often entails exposure to poverty, parents with poor health and crime in the surrounding environment, which can increase the risks of ill health, social exclusion and involvement in criminal activity.

After-school activities as a mitigating factor

A mitigating factor appears to be participation in after-school activities, which has positive effects on children’s health and well-being, academic performance and social relationships, while also promoting a sense of inclusion, belonging, and life satisfaction. However, accessibility remains limited for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth, with cost being a significant barrier.

Helamalmö's role in the local community

The civil society organisation Helamalmö, founded in 2004 and originating in one of Malmö’s disadvantaged areas, has a strong commitment to children and young people in these areas. The organisation works to promote well-being and health and thus reduce inequalities by offering accessible, low-cost, or free after-school activities to children and youth aged 10 to 18.

Limited research in a Swedish context

However, there appears to be little research on how participation in civil society initiatives like Helamalmö in Sweden affects young people’s lives, health and well-being in underserved communities, regarding accessible, affordable after-school activities and social support.

The overall aim of the project

The well-being and health needs of children in disadvantaged urban areas of Sweden are also, to the best of our knowledge, an underexplored research topic. Therefore, it is important to explore how participation in the activities and community of a civil society organization such as Helamalmö, could potentially affect the health and well-being of children and young people in a socioeconomically disadvantaged area, which is the overall aim of the current project.