Blue Cross: Children's station

Most parents want the same things for their children: to feel safe, have friends, do well at school, and experience a sense of belonging. Yet far too many children grow up carrying worries that are invisible on the surface — financial stress at home, parents who are struggling, limited support networks, and everyday challenges that escalate because help arrives too late, or not at all.

In Søndre Nordstrand, a district in Oslo marked by significant social inequality, many families with children are living on low incomes. Many also describe a lack of accessible support services they can turn to without referrals, long waiting lists or overwhelming bureaucracy. This is exactly what Blå Kors aims to address.

The Kavli Trust has awarded NOK 4 million to support the establishment of a new Blå Kors Barnas Stasjon centre in Søndre Nordstrand. The goal is to create a safe and welcoming place for more families.

Barnas Stasjon supports families with children aged 0–16 who are living in challenging circumstances. Children are at the heart of the programme, but parents and caregivers are seen as an equally important part of the solution. Each family is assigned a dedicated contact person who gets to know them, identifies their needs and provides long-term follow-up. The programme combines activities with personalised support, including peer support groups, social gatherings, holiday and leisure activities, equipment loans, counselling and guidance.

“When strong community partners join forces, we can create lasting change,” says Trine Stensen of Blå Kors. She describes the collaboration with the Kavli Trust as an important part of a broader partnership that makes it possible to establish a new service in Søndre Nordstrand while strengthening support for children and families in need.

Prevention in practice

An evaluation by SINTEF (2021) found that Barnas Stasjon successfully reaches families facing challenges such as low income, mental health difficulties, violence and conflict — and that the programme can improve children’s wellbeing and coping skills, while also strengthening family relationships and parental interaction.

For the Kavli Trust, the funding is about early intervention and building a stronger support system around children and young people before challenges become deeply rooted.

“When families receive support early, we can prevent small pressures from developing into major problems. Blå Kors Barnas Stasjon is a low-threshold service that meets people with both warmth and professional expertise, creating real change in everyday life. That is why we chose to support the new centre in Søndre Nordstrand,” says Ingrid Paasche, CEO of the Kavli Trust.

The grant will cover part of the operating costs during the first years and help establish the centre as a stable local resource in an area where the need is significant.

Facts: New Blå Kors Barnas Stasjon centre in Søndre Nordstrand

Project: New Blå Kors Barnas Stasjon centre in the Søndre Nordstrand district
Period: July 2026 – December 2029
Funding awarded: NOK 4 million
Target group: Families with children aged 0–16 living in challenging circumstances, including low income, limited support networks and health-related challenges

Facts: What is Blå Kors Barnas Stasjon?

Blå Kors Barnas Stasjon is a low-threshold support service for families with children who need extra support in everyday life. The programme combines:

• Safe meeting places and activities for children, parents and families together
• Individual follow-up and support
• Practical assistance, such as equipment loans and support for holidays and leisure activities
• Parenting support and guidance to strengthen caregiving skills and family relationships