Support for people from Hafnarfjörður on their way back to work or education 

Does rehabilitation support our people? 

„It gives the work its value to see the people undergoing rehabilitation here achieve success,“ says Sveindís Anna Jóhannsdóttir, managing director of Stendur starfsendurhæfingar, who signed an agreement with the City of Hafnarfjörður today.  

Hafnarfjörður is the first municipality to enter into a formal agreement with Stendur Rehabilitation, although the company also serves Kópavogur and Garðabær. It is about offering comprehensive advice to its residents to help them return to work or education.. The aim is to support people to increase their activity and participation in the labour market with services that take into account the needs of each individual. 

Mayor Thórður Thórarinsson says the collaboration is important, as it is crucial that people are active and fully participate in the labour market. 

The agreement is valid from 1 October 2026 until the end of 2027. 

Individualised rehabilitation

The agreement covers individuals referred to Stendur Vocational Rehabilitation by the City of Hafnarfjörður's advisers. The service is intended for people who, for various reasons, have had to leave the labour market for a time or have not managed to gain a foothold in it, and who wish to return to work. 

Sveindís says the success of the vocational rehabilitation depends, among other things, on the different needs of the participants and their position in the labour market. When times are tough in the job market, it can be more difficult for people with reduced work capacity to take their first steps into employment. Employers can play an important role in this. 

„The goodwill of the companies is very important. And everyone can do better there,“ she says encouragingly. 

Decide which service suits each person.

But how do people access the service? A formal request is received from the local authority and an assessment of the individual's situation and potential is carried out at the dive centre, with a plan for the next steps developed. The emphasis is on increasing daily functioning, enhancing work capacity and supporting participants in achieving their goals. 

Rehabilitation can include, amongst other things, education, support in groups or through individual consultations, and specialist services as required. It can also involve other resources, such as further education.  

Following rehabilitation, a three-to-six-month follow-up period may be provided to support integration into the labour market or education. This can include regular advisory meetings and support in liaising with employers and other organisations. Work is also carried out on daily life balance, coping strategies and relapse prevention. 

The agreement provides for regular consultation between Standar Vocational Rehabilitation and the city's advisers on progress and the next steps. The success of the rehabilitation is assessed individually, with the aim of ensuring the support is as beneficial as possible for each participant. 

Yes, the power of collective action in every community is very important.