Well-being guide Hallingdal
It’s easy to thrive in Hallingdal when everyone...
… warmly welcomes new residents and speaks positively about one another.
Say hello, show you care, invite others along, and share information about the activities and opportunities we have in Hallingdal! Welcoming new residents can create a positive, pleasant, and warm start to life in their new home.
… sees our youth, involves them, and listens to what they have to say.
Youth are the future and our most important resource. Good involvement in development processes can strengthen a sense of belonging, provide mastery, learning, co-determination, and ownership among young people. The relationship with one’s hometown is shaped at a young age, and participation is therefore important for youth’s well-being, sense of belonging, and their perspective on staying or returning in the future.
… explore and offer new ways to get around the valley.
Transport is important for society as a whole, especially for youth, young adults, and the elderly. Local public transportation is crucial for both work and leisure. It can contribute to social equity, social sustainability, and help maintain and create new meeting places. Sustainable transportation solutions are important for the climate, environment, and economy. New and innovative ideas are vital for transport in rural municipalities.
Transport to and from local events can be an important measure to ensure more people can participate in regional happenings. Event organizers are encouraged to offer transportation options—perhaps integrated into the ticket price—for all of Hallingdal. Surveys show that people are willing to pay more for good transport solutions, giving them the opportunity to attend more events.
… invite and spread the word about what’s happening in terms of events and activities.
Feel free to invite someone along—this can be a great way to meet new people and try new things. Invite others to experience nature, culture, sports, and social activities. Hallingdal has a lot to offer!
Local teams, associations, and passionate individuals are important resources for promoting local quality of life. Municipalities can create arenas for collaboration with volunteers on positive initiatives for residents. These can be idea and feedback meetings for specific projects and events, or open gatherings where everyone is invited to contribute, collaborate, and co-create. Inclusive meeting places are important for all age groups and can enhance well-being and sense of belonging.
… take good care of new employees and colleagues, both during and outside of work hours.
Enjoyment in the workplace has a significant impact on our quality of life. Many people spend a large portion of their day and life at work. Employers often encounter new residents early on and have a unique opportunity to increase their well-being through, for example, sharing information, organizing company activities, and other work environment measures.
Onboarding can also be seen as a collaboration between municipalities as hosts for their residents and employers as hosts for their employees. Employers who invest in and care for their employees both during and after work hours increase the chances of well-being, a sense of belonging, and that employees stay longer in their jobs.
Municipalities can…
Distribute welcome letters and invite all new residents to a welcome meeting.
Provide broad and comprehensive information about activities and services to residents, especially to new arrivals and people with backgrounds from other countries.
Involve youth in event development, place development, and municipal planning.
Contribute to a stronger sense of place through increased knowledge about local culture and history.
Arrange school visits by the mayor so that students hear they are important for the community’s future.
Employers can…
Welcome their employees by offering a good working environment.
Think of the “24-hour person” (take care of employees outside working hours).
Help with finding housing or provide information about the housing market in Hallingdal.
Share information about events and leisure activities.
Organizers can…
Include youth in planning so events also feel attractive to them.
Encourage and facilitate participation from all parts of the population, teams, and organizations.
Offer transportation options to and from events.
Youth can…
Share and express their opinions: Participation works and matters!
Contribute to creating meeting places.
Bring innovative ideas, including for new jobs and transport options, among others.
Get involved in place development and municipal planning work.
If you’re interested in learning more about this field, read the Knowledge Summary – Well-being and Sense of Belonging.
