A diverse range of activities moves into the St. Jó's Wellbeing Centre.
In recent weeks and months, there has been a lot going on in the preparations for the St. Jó Wellbeing Centre, which is based at 41 Suðurgata in Hafnarfjörður. The first tenants recently signed tenancy agreements and the first are planning to move in this summer.
Nearly half of the tenants have signed their tenancy agreements for the first phase.
Over the past few weeks and months, there has been a lot going on in preparation for St. Jó's Quality of Life Centre which is based at 41 Suðurgata in Hafnarfjörður. Preparations have been underway for almost two years, since the municipality of Hafnarfjörður purchased the premises in the summer of 2017, with the aim of finding a new purpose for the former St. Joseph's Hospital.
Emphasis on health, community and creativity
The St. Jó Wellbeing Centre is a community that offers prevention, healthcare, early intervention, education and a creative hub. All operators share the common goal of enhancing the wellbeing of their clients by focusing on Health, community and creativity. Their foundation is based on, among other things, coaching, psychological services, yoga, massage, health-promoting services for older people, talk therapies, and the creation and development of tools and technology for health research. The centre is run as a self-sustaining operational unit by the City of Hafnarfjörður. „We are pleased that the people of Hafnarfjörður have acquired the old hospital and that the town council has made the decision to give the building a new lease of life with a diverse range of activities that will improve the quality of life for the residents of Hafnarfjörður in various ways.“ says Eva Michelsen, project manager for the City of Hafnarfjörður.
The first companies are moving in this summer
The first tenants recently signed tenancy agreements and the first are planning to move in this summer. A formal opening ceremony will be held in September, around the 93rd anniversary of the old hospital, where visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the operations and see the building's renovations. „An exhibition by the Hafnarfjörður Folk Museum will be on display in the house's entrance hall at the opening ceremony, providing a comprehensive account of the history of the house and the Sisters of St. Joseph, who built it at the time. The exhibition will remain in the entrance hall after the opening so that visitors can learn about the house when they visit it.“ says Eva. Among the companies moving into the building in the first phase are Örmælir, Veraldarvinir, Eldmóður markþjálfun, Unnandi fræðasetur, Saga – Story House and Lex familia.
Contacts for further information
- Eva Michelsen – Project Manager, St. Jó's Wellbeing Centre: eva@stjo.is, tel. 664 5557
- Sigríður Kristinsdóttir: sigridurk@hafnarfjordur.is
Construction is in full swing at the St. Jó's Wellbeing Centre.
Further information about the tenants who have signed their tenancy agreements
Microphone: Örmælir is a start-up company developing a device for use by scientists in medical research. The device is used, among other things, in cancer research and various studies of genetic defects. The company is run by Sunna Björg Skarphéðinsdóttir (physiologist) and Einir Guðlaugsson (electrical engineer).
Friends of the World: Veraldarvinir is an Icelandic non-profit organisation. The organisation was founded in June 2001 and has prioritised environmental issues from the outset. The organisation's aim is to promote healthy lifestyles and better stewardship of the environment. We achieve our goals through international cooperation, volunteering, and the organisation of environmental and cultural projects in collaboration with local authorities and non-governmental organisations. Veraldarvinir are pioneers in organising such projects in Iceland.
Passionate Coaching: The company is run by Kristín Þórsdóttir, who offers coaching for all individuals. Kristín is an ACC coach and is also developing her skills in sex coaching. She is currently visiting the country's primary schools with the preventative lecture, „Self-image and Sexual Health“, where she shares her own experiences. The aim of Eldmóð is to help individuals empower themselves and find their strength and ability to pursue their goals and dreams.
Lex familiaLex familia offers family therapy to address the various problems that can arise within families or for individuals, alongside legal assistance in family law when dealing with the various issues that can occur in people's relationships. The company is run by Rakel Róbertsdóttir and Sóley Gunnarsdóttir. Rakel is an occupational therapist and family counsellor, and has worked for many years for the City of Hafnarfjörður in matters of mental disability. Sóley is a lawyer and has extensive knowledge of family law and mediation.
Unnandi – research centre: Unnandi – Research Centre is the brainchild of Steinunn and Unnur Garðarsdætra. Through the establishment of Unnandi, they aim to help people find harmony of mind, body and heart using a variety of evidence-based methods, with the goal of increasing insight, broadening experience and deepening human connections. Activities are based on courses, private sessions and special events. Steinunn is undertaking specialised postgraduate studies in body-centred trauma therapy, and Unnur is an anthropologist and teacher by training, specialising in transformative experience.
History – Story House: Saga – Story House is a quality-of-life company focusing on people and stories, diverse education, consultancy, health-promoting trips and quality-of-life products. The service is suitable for businesses and individuals of all ages. Saga – Story House collaborates with, among others, education and travel service providers and Virk, the Vocational Rehabilitation Fund. The owners of Saga – Story House are Guðbjörg Björnsdóttir, an occupational therapist, and Ingibjörg Valgeirsdóttir, MBA, an educator, media studies specialist and yoga teacher.