When the Right Meeting Changes Everything – How Stronger Together Reaches Its Target Group
When the Right Meeting Changes Everything – How Stronger Together Reaches Its Target Group
Creating pathways into the labour market for individuals with NPF (neuropsychiatric disabilities) does not happen overnight. It requires patience, understanding—and sometimes a decisive encounter with the right person. For Pelle and Jonas, who work within the Stronger Together project, such a meeting became the turning point that led to a breakthrough.
The Breakthrough: A Contact That Opened Doors
For a long time, the team struggled to reach participants for their training programmes. Despite a well-structured approach, engagement was limited. “It wasn’t until we connected with a case officer at the municipality of Norrköping that things started to change,” says Pelle. “She immediately understood what we offered—and saw its value for the target group.”
The case officer invited around 20 colleagues to a presentation. That moment changed everything.
“Meeting the right person can open many doors,” Jonas adds. “After that, we immediately got participants—and now several other municipalities in Östergötland have shown interest.” Their collaboration with the Swedish Public Employment Service (Rehabilitation Division) has also become an important piece of the puzzle. From there, individuals—often on long-term sick leave—are referred to the project.
From Training to the First Steps Toward Employment
So far, around 40 participants have completed the project’s three-step training programme—and more are on their way. But what happens after the training? “We hold an individual follow-up and planning meeting,” Pelle explains. “We look at available workplaces and try to match them with each participant’s interests, experience, and skills.”
The results speak for themselves: during March 10–15, individuals were matched with potential work training placements, with another group expected in April. However, the path forward looks different for each individual. “Many have never had a job or have been away from working life for many years. For some, just being at a workplace two hours a day, two days a week, is a major step. It’s about building both structure and self-confidence.”
Challenges That Require More Than Quick Fixes
The project has also faced clear challenges. One of them concerns how information is communicated to participants. “We need to ensure that participants receive accurate and relevant information about us and what we offer. That makes it much easier for them to engage successfully from the start.”
Another challenge is the time perspective. “Achieving employment takes longer than you might think,” says Pelle. “We should have been where we are today a year ago. This target group needs time. Moving from work training to employment can take 6–12 months.”
Success Lies in the Experience
Despite the challenges, it is clear what works. “The people who come to us enjoy being here,” says Jonas. “We see it in evaluations and in everyday interactions. Some don’t even want to go home—it becomes a social space where they make new friends.” Pelle shares the story of a participant, “Kajsa,” who had been outside the labor market for a long time. “She has multiple diagnoses and significant challenges. But we managed to arrange a work training placement for her at the City Mission. She was so happy—and that really makes everything worthwhile.”
Small Steps – Big Changes
Stronger Together shows that the path to employment is not always about quick solutions, but about the right support, the right approach—and the right timing. For every individual who takes a first step, no matter how small it may seem, a real transformation takes place.
And sometimes, everything begins with a single meeting.
Pia Tingvall
Coompanion Östergötland
