Følgesvenn
Who: Kirkens Bymisjon
What: Følgesvenn
Where: Bergen, Norway
Project Period: 2025
About the project
Følgesvenn is a transformative initiative led by Kirkens Bymisjon and the Home-Start Family Contact program, with generous support from the Grieg Foundation. This project specifically focuses on immigrant families residing in Bergen municipality who have children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. To participate, families must have at least one child under school age. Through the project, families gain access to a growing and supportive parent network group, offering crucial emotional and practical connections.
The project was created in response to the unique and often overwhelming challenges faced by immigrant parents raising children with disabilities. These challenges are compounded by language barriers, cultural differences, limited access to local support systems, stigma, and a lack of acceptance within their own cultural or social networks. Immigrant parents with children who have disabilities often struggle to navigate family dynamics, community expectations, and public services. These difficulties can lead to social isolation, diminished participation in social and cultural activities, and the violation of basic rights for both parents and their children. Moreover, many of these families experience lower-quality support services, which only intensify their struggles. Følgesvenn works to bridge these gaps, offering personalized assistance not typically available through traditional public services.
Følgesvenn also focuses on addressing specific challenges within the parent network group, including language and communication barriers with public services, and tackling prejudices, taboos, and differing worldviews both within the support system and their own cultural communities. The goal is to provide support, create connections, exchange experiences, and empower families.
In addition to its direct impact on families, the project aims to increase the awareness and competence of social service providers and educational institutions working with immigrant families who have children with disabilities. By enhancing the knowledge and skills of these professionals, Følgesvenn fosters a more inclusive, informed, and supportive environment that significantly improves the overall quality of life for these families.
About the organization
Kirkens Bymisjon is an open and inclusive non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all individuals experience respect, justice, and care. We work with the vision that every person, regardless of their life circumstances, worldview, or cultural background, should be treated with dignity and respect.
We believe that no one can be defined by what meets the eye alone. There should be space for everyone, and we approach all people with this mindset in everything we do. Our goal is to empower our participants, users, patients, and guests to strengthen their own resources, pursue their dreams, and nurture their hopes.
Our broad range of services is available across the country and spans a variety of sectors. We provide support for children and young people, promote work inclusion, offer treatment and healthcare, and assist with social housing. Additionally, we focus on elderly care, poverty alleviation, multicultural work, street outreach, activity centers, open churches, and various community gathering spaces. Through these diverse initiatives, we strive to foster a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
