HUSRUM Denmark: Volunteer Support for Lonely Youth (16-30)
About this good practice
HUSRUM is a volunteer-driven community supporting young people aged 16 to 30 who experience loneliness. Operating in seven Danish cities, we reach over 600 vulnerable young people annually, addressing the growing problem of severe and prolonged loneliness among youth in Denmark.
To tackle this issue, HUSRUM partners closely with municipalities, churches, and other organizations that support young people. Our approach consists of three main elements designed to alleviate loneliness:
1. Social Activities
Each week, HUSRUM organizes various social activities—such as board games, creative workshops, and walk-and-talk sessions. These events, facilitated by volunteers, follow a consistent structure, are held in the evenings or on weekends, and are free for participants.
2. Conversation Groups
In our 12-session group courses, we provide a safe and supportive environment for 7-8 young participants to share experiences and support each other’s growth. Led by three trained volunteers, these groups follow a structured program developed by HUSRUM.
3. Heartmates
We facilitate one-on-one friendships between participants and supportive volunteers. These pairs meet weekly, with initial guidance and support from a coordinator who assists them in building a stable relationship over the first six months.
Through these initiatives, HUSRUM not only provides companionship but also helps empower young people to overcome isolation and build lasting, meaningful connections.
Resources needed
One full-time employee is needed to support every 200 young people per year. Additionally, funding is required to cover activities, volunteer training, and other essential resources.
Evidence of success
In 2025, we will complete a comprehensive study, both qualitative and quantitative, of our interventions. This study is conducted by the research unit DEFACTUM, Region Midt.
HUSRUM is recognized as an effective intervention in the latest book by Mathias Lasgaard, Professor at SDU and a leading researcher on youth and loneliness in Denmark: "Lonely Youth". The book is written in Danish and is available for purchase here: https://www.akademisk.dk/sociale-fag/born-og-unge/produkt/ensom-ungdom
Potential for learning or transfer
The HUSRUM concept has proven scalable and adaptable, allowing it to expand to new regions across Denmark. Our interventions are thoroughly documented in the HUSRUM manual.
We anticipate that findings from our qualitative and quantitative studies will provide valuable insights into effectively meeting the needs of our target group experiencing severe loneliness.