Together through growth

The organization Springbrett for ungdom provides free leisure activities that give young people the opportunity to participate, grow and feel included. Now, the organisation has received support from the Kavli Trust to continue its work preventing social exclusion and strengthening mental health among young people.

Many young people face barriers to participating in organised activities because of financial hardship, social background or limited networks. A lack of safe social spaces can increase the risk of loneliness, exclusion and school dropout.

Everyone should have the chance to join In

Through the Together Through Growth project, Springbrett for ungdom offers open and inclusive activities where all young people can take part and develop new skills. Every activity is free of charge and built around one simple principle: everyone should have the opportunity to join in, regardless of background or life situation.

The project includes five activity areas for young people aged 13 to 25, helping participants grow both socially and practically while building a sense of belonging in an inclusive environment. Activities range from culture and creativity – where young people work with theatre, music and songwriting alongside professionals – to practical courses in areas such as cooking and personal finance. In addition, low-threshold sports activities and partnerships with local sports clubs make participation possible regardless of experience or financial circumstances. Summer schools and holiday programmes also provide safe, engaging and meaningful experiences during school breaks.

Kavli Trust has awarded the project NOK 750,000 for 2026. The funding will enable Springbrett for ungdom to continue offering a wide range of cultural and sports activities to young people who might otherwise have limited access to organised leisure programmes.

Youth participation and role models

Several participants are eventually given the opportunity to take on greater responsibility through the youth council. The council consists of former participants who actively contribute to planning and running the activities. By using their own experiences to guide and support new participants, they gain valuable leadership experience while helping create an environment where everyone feels seen and included.

For Ingrid Paasche, Managing Director of the Kavli Trust, this is one of the project’s greatest strengths:

– When young people are given a safe space to try new activities and support others, they often discover new strengths in themselves. They gain confidence and develop greater understanding of those around them. Becoming a role model can create both pride and purpose, and helps young people realise the impact they can have on others, she says.

A new partner supporting children and young people

Springbrett for ungdom is a new partner organization for the foundation, and the project supports Kavli Trust’s commitment to initiatives that strengthen mental health and belonging among children and young people. The organisation has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a sharp increase in the number of participants.

– The growth shows not only how great the need is, but also how successfully Springbrett for ungdom creates inclusive and empowering spaces for young people. For Kavli Trust, it is important to support projects that provide young people with real opportunities for growth, confidence and community, while also creating long-term positive impact in local communities, says Paasche.

About the project

• Springbrett for ungdom is a non-profit organisation established in 2021 that offers free and inclusive leisure activities for young people aged 13 to 25. More than 1,300 young people participated in its activities in 2024.
• The Together Through Growth project aims to prevent social exclusion and strengthen mental health among young people through open meeting places and meaningful activities.
• The project is particularly aimed at young people with limited access to organised leisure activities due to financial, social or cultural barriers.
• Activities include theatre, music and songwriting, practical courses such as cooking, personal finance and swimming, low-threshold sports activities, summer schools and holiday programmes.
• The project’s youth council is led by former participants who help plan and run activities, support new participants and contribute to creating a safe and inclusive community.
• Kavli Trust is supporting the project with NOK 750,000 during 2026–2027 as part of its commitment to strengthening mental health and belonging among children and young people.