We build bridges, create community
Öppna Kretsen is a nonprofit association in Stockholm working to make it easier to find community and build relationships that last. Come as you are, no expectations, no requirements.
About us
Öppna Kretsen is a nonprofit association building community and new relationships in Stockholm, through recurring meetups, open evenings and conversations that last over time, not one-off events.
We believe that everyone, regardless of age or life situation, at some point feels that their circle of friends is too small. That applies to people who've moved to a new city, gone through a divorce, found more time for themselves once the kids have grown up, changed jobs or schools, gotten older, or simply want to meet more people.
Our goal is accessible, safe meeting places and activities with a low threshold for joining: no one should need to arrive with a ready-made social circle to feel welcome.
We call it a care culture, a culture where looking out for one another is a natural part of everyday life, not something you need to apologize for needing. Both seeking and offering support should feel natural.
Our mission
We build relationships, networks and mutual support, starting from what people already have: their experiences, connections and strengths. We build further from there, together.
Our vision
A society where trust, care for one another and engagement are a natural part of everyday life, where everyone, regardless of where they come from, has access to community and the chance to contribute.
Our principles
Our work is grounded in trust, dignity and mutual respect. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of background, gender, age, ability or origin. We firmly reject violence and discrimination, and we are politically and religiously independent.
Who we are
Öppna Kretsen is run by two dedicated founders who both know what it means to build a life and a network of relationships from scratch.
Sonila
Sonila has been engaged in social work since 2013, working mainly with migrants and disadvantaged groups. In 2015 she founded IParticipate, a youth organisation which focuses on the rights of young people with a migration history in Italy, which she helped build from the ground up.
Since then, she has worked and collaborated with several organisations and NGOs in Italy, focusing on project development and management of multi-country initiatives across Europe and the Balkans. Her work focuses on social inclusion, civic participation, community building and anti-racism.
She is now based in Stockholm, where she continues this work through Öppna Kretsen, building community and advancing civic participation among people of all backgrounds.
Tiia
Tiia has worked for many years as a teacher for newcomers, asylum seekers, refugees, undocumented people and expats. She has moved to several different countries herself and knows firsthand how hard it can be to lack a network.
She was the initiator of Starthjälpen (Starting Help) in Hägersten and Bromma at the turn of 2020/2021, a volunteer-run initiative that has so far reached over 150 newly arrived families with both practical support and something just as important: new friends.
As a self-employed education professional, she's used to handling varied assignments. She has delivered over 400 teacher training sessions and written some thirty educational materials over the past ten years.
What we do
Starthjälpen is our starting point. Since launching at the turn of 2020/2021, the initiative has reached over 150 newly arrived families in Hägersten and Bromma. Going forward, we want to focus on what matters most: matching newcomers with Swedish friends in the area.
The idea is simple. It's about having a friend in the neighborhood, not just a passing contact, but a real relationship that lasts.
We're now building on this with more recurring ways to meet. More activities are in the works. Keep an eye on this page, or get in touch if you'd like to help shape them.
From our activities
Glimpses from shared meals, meetups and outings over the years – from our Starthjälpen project, which since 2020/2021 has brought together newcomers and established families in Hägersten and Bromma.
Join the circle
- Individuals, as a member, you support our work directly, from day one.
- Want to give time, we're always looking for more volunteers to host at our meetups.
- Companies, we welcome partnerships, sponsorship and CSR collaborations. Get in touch.
- Associations, public bodies or schools, we're happy to explore joint projects and collaborations. Reach out and we'll set up an initial conversation.
Contact us
Have a question, want to become a member, collaborate, or volunteer? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.