Stronger into Life is a toolkit for parents and professionals

Implementation in Hafnarfjörður begins with a health-promoting evening in the heart of Hafnarfjörður.

The health town of Hafnarfjörður approved participation in the project in mid-September.„Stronger into life“with a grant of 500,000 króna, „Stronger into Life“ is toolbox Aimed at parents and professionals, with the aim of increasing access to professional material that can be used anywhere, anytime to promote and strengthen the identity of children and young people. The toolkits are adapted according to age and developmental level. The project's implementation in Hafnarfjörður will begin with a free and inspiring evening at Bæjarbíó. There, Nicolas Leó Sigurþórsson, a 20-year-old from Hafnarfjörður, a secondary school student, an employee at Musik & Motor and a snowmobile guide, will be among those sharing his personal story. Nicolas has faced various challenges in his short life and has overcome them with perseverance and resilience, and today uses his experience for his own benefit and that of other young people.

Prevention project for families and professionals

„Stronger into Life“ is a preventative project which aims to provide free access to material, all of which is based on a solid and evidence-based foundation of science, and is intended to assist parents and professionals in tackling the various and often challenging challenges that can arise during a child's upbringing. The project is run by the Höfðabakka psychology practice in collaboration with a large group of professionals and organisations such as Heimili og skólar – the National Association of Parents. The platform is the website www.sterkariutilifid.is and there you can find, among other things, various educational materials and information on topics that all carers consider at some point:

• Our feelings don't appear out of thin air.
• What difference does empathy make?
• Bench Agreement
• Cognitive distortions and reappraisal
• The inner critic
• Influencers and unfair comparison
• Should I stop using social media?
• Children and medium use

An ambitious app and toolkit on social skills

An ambitious app is in development with exercises to teach children and parents relaxation and meditation. The app is suitable for children and carers to slow down for a few minutes and find greater calm. This can help to better manage feelings while awake and also promote better sleep. The exercises are age-appropriate, and the app is divided into five levels: nursery, beginner, intermediate, teen and adult. There are three possible pathways within the app: Relaxation, mindfulness/meditation and empathy exercises. Bryndís Jóna Jónsdóttir and Anna Dóra Frostadóttir from the Mindfulness Centre are editing the app, and they have a great deal of experience in implementing such exercises for all age groups. A new toolkit on social skills is also in development. This toolkit will include projects that address topics such as forgiveness, conflict resolution, friendship, listening, drama in communication, and putting oneself in other people's shoes. Social skills are a cornerstone of a strong identity, and children and young people need guidance as any kind of conflict has a direct impact on their identity. Parents often feel at a loss in conversations with their children and young people.

A free evening earlier for all interested

An inspiring evening on „Stronger into Life“ is offered by the Healthy City of Hafnarfjörður. It is an educational session for parents and all those who work with children and young people, where attendees will also receive various tools designed to promote and strengthen well-being. The evening will take place at Bæjarbíó on Tuesday, 25th October from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is welcome! This project by the Healthy City of Hafnarfjörður is part of promoting the health of the people of Hafnarfjörður and its friends, and aligns with the health policy the municipality formulated in 2016. One of the three overarching goals of the health policy is to enhance the well-being of residents.

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Evening Programme