Building Bridges in Our Healthy Community: Experiences from a cross-sectoral Co-creation Intervention

Abstract Background Collaboration among municipalities, schools, and organizations is vital for promoting active lifestyles in children aged 7-10. While leisure activities enhance engagement, rising physical inactivity and digi-tal reliance remain concerns. Despite the importance of structured cooperation, little is known about effective management, coordination, and stakeholder motivations. Methods Various data collection methods were used, including observations, field notes, interviews, and questionnaires, to analyze participants’ interactions, engagement, and experiences. Thematic analysis by Brown and Clarke served as both a theoretical framework and practical guide. Results There were differences in what the children got out of the activities partly due to their age, gender and personal interests. In several of the activities, it was considered to use juniors as it is considered easier for the children to reflect on themselves in them. It was emphasized that the municipality does not need to coordinate, as it is considered better for the associations and the school to contact each other directly. Conclusions By employing diverse data collection methods, a deeper understanding of experiences and their in-terpretation becomes possible. While organization can start with a municipality, schools and associa-tions can eventually take over. Collaboration among parents, children, and associations proves bene-ficial in engaging children in various leisure activities.