Maskrosbarn – Establishing in Umeå

In Sweden, close to 700,000 children and young people live with parents struggling with addiction, mental illness or domestic violence. Many carry that secret alone for years – without a trusted adult, without anywhere to turn.

About the project

In Sweden, close to 700,000 children and young people live with parents struggling with addiction, mental illness or domestic violence. Many carry that secret alone for years – without a trusted adult, without anywhere to turn.

In Västerbotten, specialised long-term support for this group is virtually non-existent. With funding from Kavli Trust, Maskrosbarn is opening in Umeå in 2027 – creating a space where young people aged 13 to 19 can get help on their own terms.

The service is free and voluntary. It includes a youth centre with regular opening hours, one-to-one sessions with a counsellor, support from a children’s advocate in dealings with social services, and talks to schools and professionals across the region.

How will Kavli Trust’s funding be used?

Kavli Trust’s grant of 2.7 million NOK funds the launch of Maskrosbarn’s operations in Umeå throughout 2027. The money covers premises rental and fit-out, salaries for four full-time staff with a social work background, set-up of the youth centre and counselling service, and information and training activities for schools and other professionals in Västerbotten.

The aim is for the organisation to become self-sustaining over time through municipal contracts, business partnerships and other grants – following the same model as Maskrosbarn’s Malmö operation, which Kavli Trust also supported.

About Maskrosbarn

Maskrosbarn is a Swedish children’s rights organisation that has worked since 2005 to improve the lives of young people growing up in families affected by addiction, mental illness or violence. It runs youth centres, counselling services, children’s advocacy and training programmes in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.

What sets Maskrosbarn apart is that its staff and volunteers have grown up in similar family situations themselves. That shared experience builds recognition and trust – and makes it easier for young people to talk about things they may never have said out loud before.

Each year, around 1,000 young people receive direct support through the organisation’s own services. Maskrosbarn also reaches tens of thousands of children and adults through talks, courses and communications.