DC FRÖLUNDA
www.frolunda.goteborg.se
The community spirit lives on in the compact district of Frölunda. Discussions within Wickerwork (Flätverket), a network of organizations in Frölunda, have given rise to many good ideas, including the Trädet family centre and the health advice centre Hälsoteket i Väster. Surveys have shown that it is well worth investing in the willingness of citizens to help out, and funds have therefore been set aside for a voluntary project in 2003.
| FRÖLUNDA | ||
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| The first figure is for the district and the second for Göteborg in total during 2002, unless otherwise stated. | ||
| No. of inhabitants | 12,583 | (474,877) |
| Percentage of children 0–15 | 12.8 | (17.3) |
| Percentage of pensioners over 65 | 28.8 | (14.7) |
| Average income, KSEK (over 16) 2000 | 144.2 | (174.6) |
| Percentage of job applicants 18–64 | 4.3 | (4.1) |
| Percentage of people with higher education (20–64) 2001 | 27.7 | (38.9) |
| Percentage of gainfully employed (20–64) 2000 | 63.3 | (69.5) |
| Percentage on social security benefits | 12.7 | (9.5) |
| Social security benefits paid, SEK per inhabitant* | 2,702 | (2,128) |
| * Excl. introduction remuneration. | ||
Most of the 12,300 or so inhabitants of Frölunda live in apartment blocks. A large proportion – the largest in the city – are over 65 years of age. Surveys show that the residents of Frölunda are generally fairly satisfied with their situation, although there are concerns about violence and crime. The TRIVS council (the council for a secure, enjoyable and safe Frölunda) which includes representatives of housing companies, the police force, Frölunda shopping centre and the district administration, looks at different ways in which the urban environment of the district can be improved, largely from the viewpoint of security. The tram terminal at Frölunda shopping centre is one place where many people feel insecure, and there are plans to renovate the terminal, although it is uncertain when this work can begin.
Wickerwork (Flätverket) is a network that aims to promote cooperation on important issues in the district. Active partners in the network include housing companies, user councils, care and welfare services, schools, churches, the police force, tenants’ associations and many others. Discussions within the network have resulted in many good ideas. One example is the Trädet family centre, where families with children have access to the child health centre, maternity clinic, open pre-school and preventive social workers all under one roof. This is a place where families can meet and obtain services and support without the need to visit the social services office. Trädet is very popular and makes a major contribution to enabling young families to cope with difficult situations by themselves.
Work on the environment and democracy based on a broad Agenda 21 perspective is an area of special interest to the District Committee of Frölunda. Järnbrottshus sheltered housing for people with dementia became the first home for the elderly in Göteborg to be awarded an environmental diploma, and Frölunda Arts Centre was also awarded a diploma when it was reopened. The district committee’s Democracy Council discusses how dialogue with the residents of Frölunda can be further improved. Open meetings and the opportunity to submit citizens’ suggestions were introduced some time ago. The development of the area around Radiotorget square is continuing and is discussed at a square council.
The City of Göteborg youth initiative, under which Frölunda has been responsible for the western districts, has provided much better opportunities for meeting the needs of young people than were previously available. 2003 is the final year of the youth initiative, and the experience that has been gained will determine which measures will continue in the future. During the course of this project Frölunda has become recognised as a hub for music and youth culture in the western districts.
Prevention work and volunteersCarrying out preventive social work in the home is a strategy that has yielded good results, both in human terms and financial terms. Constructive networks are provided for various groups of residents: Trädet family centre serves families with children; Lilla Järnbrott provides pupils with firmer support than they would get in a normal class; and the relatives support initiative assists those who look after sick or elderly relatives at home. Spontaneous cooperation between the relatives support initiative and other activities, such as Frölunda Volunteer Centre and the Göteborg Initiative, has resulted in natural integration between different groups of Frölunda residents.
In surveys, a good proportion of residents have shown themselves willing to spend some of their time on charity work. On the basis of this information the district committee has set aside special resources for a voluntary project in 2003. The purpose of the project is to establish a system that will allow individuals to make a worthwhile contribution to City services. The aim is to match the volunteers who register their interest with the requests for assistance made by users, in consultation with personnel. Initially this work will focus on care of the elderly, but the goal is that it should eventually be extended to other areas.
The premises at Järnbrottsskolan have been patched up and repaired for many years, but the time has now definitely arrived for a thorough renovation of the school. The Premises Office has been given the task of investigating how Järnbrottsskolan can be transformed into a modern school for children from pre-school age up to year 9.
All children in Frölunda benefit from the arts school, which provides additional teaching in music, dance, drama, etc., in schools and pre-schools. This means, for instance, that all six-year-olds receive tuition in rhythm, and that pupils can choose freely from dance and drama subjects under the guidance of teachers from the arts school. At Järnbrottsskolan pupils in years 4 and 5 have class orchestras in which everyone can play a wind instrument and rhythm instrument. In the following year pupils receive tuition in smaller groups in subjects such as song, keyboard and guitar. Pupils in year 9 receive tuition in their chosen subject in English, together with a drama teacher.
The small size of the district means that the various facilities are often within walking distance of each other. Commerce and public transport are concentrated around Frölunda shopping centre. Several bus services radiate from the shopping centre, making it easy to reach the city centre, other residential areas and the coast. The closeness of the square to Frölunda Arts Centre and the Fågeln recreation centre make Frölunda exceptionally self-sufficient as a commercial and cultural centre. Good transport links mean that many people have discovered this and are keen to exploit local facilities.