Fryshuset promotes and supports the empowerment and development of all young people.
For over 40 years, we have mobilized positive forces among youth, especially those in marginalized situations. Our values are the compass guiding us toward an inclusive and sustainable future — addressing social issues through an integrated vision where young people’s needs, interests, and dreams are always at the center.
Our work is based on the wants, needs, and abilities of young people. Together with them, we strive to create a society where youth are seen, heard, and taken into account. In Sweden, we run more than 20 physical and digital meeting places, and our work extends internationally through partnerships, networks, and collaborations with public, private, and civil society actors.
Beyond Scandinavia, Fryshuset leads and participates in projects in countries such as the Netherlands, Latvia, Greece, Senegal, Kenya, Brazil, and Armenia.
Our Vision
We believe that every young person holds the capacity to shape the world. Through international collaboration, learning opportunities, and youth-led initiatives, we support young people to develop their passions into meaningful action.
Our Mission
- We listen and build relationships with young people. We build on their passions and create communities where they are seen, heard, and able to develop — strengthening their self-esteem.
- We strive to create a society where young people are included and their ideas and opinions matter.
- We work with all young people, with a particular focus on those at risk of exclusion. We believe that everyone can succeed and deserves a chance.
- We provide young people with the tools to shape their own future by tapping into their inner power and motivation.
- We stay close to what is happening in society and are quick to act. We see opportunities where others see problems.
- We are brave enough to create change, again and again.
Our Values
It is our strong belief that all energy is positive, if the right conditions are created to help navigate it in the right direction. Fryshuset’s core values are based on this conviction and stand for the driving force in the organization.
We encourage, trust and give responsibility to youth.
It builds knowledge and self-esteem that elevates the inherent power of youth.
We are responsive to what is happening in society and act accordingly.
We are not afraid of what is new and unknown. We see opportunities and mobilize forces where others see problems. We continually develop and improve our methods.
We meet young people’s individual needs.
At Fryshuset, the door is always open for anyone who wants to engage and develop, regardless of their background.
We believe in respectful meetings.
These meetings are based on the desire to participate, where shared interests overcome contradictions and differences, fostering understanding between individuals.
Our Story
Fryshuset has over 40 years of experience in mobilizing positive forces in young people in marginalized environments in Sweden and around the world.
Fryshuset was founded in 1984 as a collaboration between the YMCA of Southern Stockholm and a group of dedicated enthusiasts – among them Fryshuset’s legendary founding father Anders Carlberg. He was commissioned to renovate an old cold storage building in Stockholm into a basketball hall. This is how the name “Fryshuset” (“cold storage”) came to be. At the beginning, sports and music were the main activities, but social issues soon became central as a reflection of young people’s needs.
In January 2013, Fryshuset’s founder Anders Carlberg passed away after a period of illness. He was known for his unwavering belief in young people – especially those whom no one else believed in, not even themselves. He inspired a culture of compassionate courage, growth, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance.
Today, Fryshuset continues his legacy by seeing opportunities where others see problems. The organization has grown into a multifaceted global movement supporting youth development across Sweden and internationally — and continues to expand.
Strategic Goals 2020–2030
The development of Fryshuset’s long-term goals has been a comprehensive and inclusive process. It began with the Future Search initiative in the spring of 2018 and continued throughout the year with workshops and seminars involving young people in several cities.
During the winter of 2018/2019, the process expanded to include employees and incorporated insights from the Tomorrow’s Citizens report by Kairos Futures, to which Fryshuset contributed.
In May 2019, the Direction Forum consolidated all findings into a unified framework, later presented to Fryshuset’s Board of Directors in June 2019.
These goals outline the direction that Fryshuset is striving to achieve by 2030. Some targets are already within reach, while others represent long-term ambitions requiring consistent, strategic effort.
Strategic Focus Areas
01. Youth
- Fryshuset aims to reach a greater number of young people by remaining relevant, inclusive, and present in the environments where youth live, learn, and engage.
02. Development
- We are committed to creating more meeting places—both physical and digital—where young people can connect, collaborate, and grow.
- We continue to establish new schools and to empower youth by giving them real influence and responsibility in societal change and personal development.
- Fryshuset also actively supports youth initiatives that promote a sustainable environment and climate awareness.
03. The World Around Us
- Our work is driven by youth and knowledge.
- We advocate for young people, build partnerships, and collaborate to amplify our impact.
- Through our diversity, competence, and creativity, Fryshuset positions itself as a leading organization in innovation, influence, and knowledge sharing.
04. Internal Working Method
- Fryshuset applies value-based leadership, ensuring that young people are included in decision-making processes.
- We build our organization on trust, quality, and community, with a strong focus on sustainability.
- Our internal structure is designed to support leaders who work directly with youth and to provide opportunities for employing more young people, thereby strengthening our capacity and expertise across all areas of operation.
05. Economy
- A stable and sustainable economy is the foundation for Fryshuset’s continued growth and innovation.
- Financial stability allows us to remain flexible in the short term and strategic in the long term, enabling us to expand our reach and increase the positive impact of our initiatives.
Read more about Fryshuset’s strategic goals for 2020–2030