Bridging Leisure – in the Border Region

Bridging Leisure is a cross-border collaboration project involving Mid Sweden University, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education (DMMH), and the municipalities of Åre, Ånge, Trondheim, and Skaun. The project is carried out within the Green Belt of the Nordics and aims to strengthen social connectedness, participation, and inclusion among children aged 9-12. 

Many children in this age group do not take part in organized leisure-time activities, which may limit their opportunities for friendship, belonging, meaningful use of free time, and support from trusted adults. The project therefore seeks to develop leisure-time centres, School-Age Childcare (SFO), and other leisure services so that they become more attractive, inclusive, and better adapted to the needs of older children. 

The project builds on combining the strengths of the Swedish leisure-time centre model with the Norwegian SFO and youth club traditions. The work is informed by the experiences of both children and staff. Children's perspectives, together with staff needs and challenges, form the basis for development work in six pilot sites where new approaches and activities are tested and refined. 

Through networks connecting municipalities, practitioners, and researchers in Sweden and Norway, the project will also develop a digital knowledge platform for sharing methods, experiences, and research-based knowledge. 

Expected outcomes include increased participation in organized leisure activities, enhanced competence among staff and service providers, sustainable cross-border networks, and new knowledge about how leisure services can promote inclusion, belonging, and social sustainability. In this way, the project contributes to strengthening children's well-being and future opportunities.