Ungdomsjouren Fria – The Siblinghood Project

The Siblinghood Project aimed to develop and expand Ungdomsjouren Fria’s mentorship-like “siblinghood” support programme, with a particular focus on reaching more boys, as well as non-binary and transgender individuals, both as support seekers and as volunteers. Through safe and supportive relationships, free leisure activities, and consistent adult support, the project sought to reduce involuntary loneliness, strengthen mental health, and contribute to more equal access to support and meaningful leisure activities.

It is well established that boys are less likely to talk about their feelings or seek support related to mental health and psychosocial challenges. The siblinghood model is therefore intended to help challenge norms that discourage boys from seeking support and, in the long term, contribute to the prevention of men’s violence in society. The project is grounded in the vision of a gender-equal society free from violence and recognises that men’s and boys’ violence affects everyone: girls, non-binary individuals, other boys, and boys themselves. Through the siblinghood programme, the aim is to provide support that is inclusive and accessible to all. Engaging men and boys in issues related to gender equality and violence is considered essential in efforts to end men’s violence against women.

Within the sibling matching process, it remains important that both the young person and the volunteer share the same gender identity. Conversations with young people of other gender identities than girls within Fria’s broader support services indicate that this approach has been appreciated and has made it easier for them to seek support, contributing to a greater sense that the support is accessible to them as well.

Application Year 2025 – Theme: Good Health and Well-being

Grant: 50 000 (SEK)