Stronger Together – From Barriers to Breakthroughs
Every journey of change begins with a moment of insight – a simple sentence that can transform a person’s life.
For Mattias Persson, those words were: “You are good enough.”
Diagnosed with ADHD and struggling with addiction, Mattias spent many years feeling excluded, isolated, and lacking confidence. His upbringing in Malmö was marked by instability; a divided family and early traumas left deep scars.
“I lost trust in myself,” he recalls. “I no longer believed I was capable of anything.”
With support, Mattias managed to break free from his addiction. Later, when he was given the chance to participate in work training and meet people who recognised his strengths, everything changed. Their belief in him gave him the courage to start over.
Today, Mattias is employed at Skäggbyrån. Skäggbyrån offers work-training opportunities for people who have been far from the labour market due to burnout, neurodivergent conditions, or other medical reasons.
“My life story is my greatest strength,” Mattias says proudly. “I used to sit on the other side of the table – now I’m the one helping others. People need to be seen for who they are, not for what is written on a piece of paper.”
Skäggbyrån is built on a philosophy of trust and inclusion. The company not only develops digital solutions but also creates opportunities – proving that meaningful work can truly change lives.
“Twenty years ago in Sweden, many people with disabilities hid away,” Mattias reflects. “Times have changed – and we are part of that change.”
Mattias’ journey is a powerful example of what the Stronger Together project stands for: promoting inclusive workplaces, empowering individuals, and building bridges between employers, educators, and social organisations. Through international cooperation, training, and dialogue, the project helps redefine what inclusion means – in practice, not just in theory.
At its core, Stronger Together is about belonging, dignity, and second chances. It reminds us that true inclusion begins with trust – and that everyone, regardless of background or ability, deserves the opportunity to grow and contribute.
This activity is carried out within the framework of STRONGER TOGETHER, an Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027 project co-funded by the European Union.
Supriti Dhar
Coompanion Östergötland
