Ågrenska – where rare is common

At First Cargo, we support several projects in Gothenburg to help vulnerable people and contribute to the local community, all in line with our sustainability goals.
This time we tell you a little more about one of these; Ågrenska.

“We fight for an optimal life for children, young people and adults with disabilities and rare diagnoses. We have been doing that for over a hundred years.”

Ågrenska offers activities based on the needs of their target groups. For instance skills development and exchange of experience, for children, young people and adults with rare diagnoses and disabilities, their families and professionals they meet. Ågrenska is a complement to public care and other community support. Here, knowledge is collected, developed and disseminated. They work both nationally and internationally for positive societal development around rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. Ågrenska is an idea-based organization that is run without a profit interest.
Family and adult stays, short-term and summer camps, personal assistance and training, courses and catering are offered here.

The story behind Ågrenska starts in 1914

Wholesaler Axel Ågren and his wife Louise bought Lilla Amundön to build a convalescent home. The convalescent home was inaugurated by the bishop on May 26, 1914. From having started with the care of children with TB, children with long-term or chronic illnesses, such as the English flu or diabetes, were also cared for here. In 1978, the convalescent home closed. After that, the island was used as a summer stay for children and young people with disabilities or various diseases, until 1989 under the auspices of the Children’s Health Service.

“One of the first activities at Ågrenska was short-term and camp activities for young people with disabilities. Here, a well-thought-out pedagogical concept was developed and offered to them. They got to meet and do things other young people take for granted, find friends, have fun together, go boating, camp and barbecue on an island.”

In its current form and direction, Ågrenska offers programs with training, stays, documentation, assistance activities, etc. Since the beginning of 2020, Ågrenska has been commissioned by the National Board of Health and Welfare to run the Information Center for rare health conditions.

If you, too, want to support Ågrenska, why not hold a conference here for a good cause – Ågrenska offers premises, activities and catering.

Read more about Ågrenska here.

Top photo from when we visited Ågrenska on Nov 9, 2022. From left: Helen Sylvan, Charlotte Tellermark, Thomas Lindström and Lena Strömstedt.