Over 140 people gathered early on Wednesday morning, March 11, for the opening of the new Träffpunkt Svartbäcken in Fyrishov. The activity has moved from Karl-Johansgården, which is under renovation, and visitors expressed great joy over the reopening. Äldrenämndens ordförande Asal Gohari (S) and Lisbeth Reher cut the ribbon during a successful event.
The opening of Träffpunkt Svartbäcken took place on the morning of March 11 in Fyrishov, Uppsala. A queue formed outside the premises before 9:00 a.m., with over 140 people attending the event. Coffee and buns were served, and extra chairs were needed to accommodate everyone.
The activity was previously run at the Karl-Johansgården care and nursing home, which is now closed for renovation. Many visitors had been looking forward to the reopening. "I never thought there would be this many people", said one of the visitors.
Monica Hjort and Lisbeth Reher were first in line. "It will be exciting to see what happens here. We were so sad when the old meeting point moved, but it feels very nice that this new one is now up and running", said Hjort. Reher added: "It's good that it's so close to the old place. I hope it will be good here and that the seated gymnastics will remain."
During the ceremony, Lisbeth Reher cut the ribbon together with Asal Gohari (S), chair of the elderly committee. "What an honor to cut the ribbon. But am I really the one to do it?", Reher laughed before applause broke out. Gohari commented: "It's fantastic to see so many people here today. It really shows how important the meeting points are. I also want to extend a big thank you to all the staff who have worked hard during this transition period."
Caroline Ohlström-Blomberg, division manager at the care and nursing administration, called it a "success opening". "It's fantastic to see so many here and that everyone is so happy and expectant. It has been a long wait for many, so it feels extra nice that we can now open so close to the old location", she said. She also mentioned the potential for collaborations around activities in Fyrishov.
Uppsala municipality operates fifteen meeting points for people over 65 years old, where they can participate in conversation groups, exercise, creating, or just have coffee to promote community and a meaningful everyday life.