Parents’ views on their own and their children’s well-being in the context of organised after-school activities in disadvantaged areas

Background In Sweden, a high proportion of the population have a migrant background. Many of them reside in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and face challenges with integration, unemployment, and unstable housing conditions. In Malmö, Sweden, the municipality has established so-called All-Activity Houses, located in disadvantaged areas and offering after-school activities that are developed in close collaboration with the children themselves. There is a need to evaluate the effects of the All-Activity Houses and their activities on the children’s well-being. Therefore, using a community-based participatory research approach, the aim of the current study is to describe the parents’ views on their children’s and their own well-being, as well as the key social factors influencing it, in the context of participation in the All-Activity Houses. Methods The method used was Multi-Stage Focus Groups, consisting of a series of focus group meetings conducted over an extended period during 2023–2024. Eighteen parents, with a background from nine different countries, chose to participate. The data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results The results showed that social relations were strengthened by the activities in the All-Activity Houses, not only for the children but also for the whole family. The activities affected the well-being of the children in different ways, for example, by making them engage in physical activity. Besides helping the children to develop, the activities also increased their joy. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the parents had a very positive attitude to the impact that the activities within the All-Activity Houses had on their children’s and their own well-being. The results also revealed that the parents wished for support in their parenting, and that further research is needed regarding parental support and its effect in similar communities.