Who

Who we are. Hogalids Hedgehogs is an English Playgroup in Stockholm, open to children from families with a native English speaking parent. The playgroup is organised by parents on a volunteer basis.
The group includes parents from all around the world, including USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, and of course Swedish partners in these families. Some of the groups members are permanently settled in Sweden, and some are just visiting Sweden for a few months or years.



Where

The playgroup is held within the children's centre (Barnlokal) at Högalid Church on Södermalm. This is well served by Hornstall T-barn, or the blue number 4 bus route. Check our Push-chair friendly map if you're not sure where it is. You may drop-in at any time whilst the playgroup is open and stay for whatever time suits you and your child. The playgroup is very informal, and your child can play with the toys and other children, and you can meet other English speaking parents and chat over a coffee and a biscuit. Members are encouraged to bring cakes and biscuits (for everyone to eat), as well as any tea and coffee - the refreshments are all based on voluntary donations.
The only "structured" part of the playgroup is the children's sing-song.


Interactive Map & Directions


When

The playgroup is open from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on Friday afternoons.



Costs

Attendance at the playgroup costs 30 kronor per week, but the first week's attendance is free, so you are very welcome to come along and try out the playgroup. The attendance money goes towards the maintenance of the church's buildings and children's centre.



Other Activities

Several times during the year we organise special parties for the playgroup's children and parents (Christmas, Summer etc.), and even group excursions during the summer.
In addition to the actual playgroup, we organise a weekly coffee morning for parents from English speaking families who are on parental leave with their children.



Notices

Högalid Hedgehogs is now closed for the season


If you want a chance to meet other parents and get outdoors during the break, Högalid Church is holding a very child-friendly summer cafe until the end of June. They usually have toys and a splash pool for kids as well as a sing-a-long at 11.00am each day (in Swedish). The cafe will be on the lawn between the church and other buildings (look for the row of trees).

The opening times for the cafe are:
Mon-Fri 1 - 5 Jun 9.30am - 3.30pm
Mon - Fri 8 - 12 Jun 9.30am - 3.30pm
Mon - Thu 15 - 18 Jun 3.00pm - 6.00pm (closed for Midsummer)
Mon - Fri 22 - 26 Jun 9.30am - 3.30pm

A lot of the English-speaking Högalid Hedgehogs regulars have said they plan to be there each Friday afternoon. Contact me if you would like more information about when to meet and how to get there.

Have a wonderful summer. We hope to see you again when we restart the playgroup in mid-August.



We're looking for Volunteers


If you are interested in helping out we would love to hear from you. We need people to help open the hall, prepare the room and to welcome new people.
Also if you would like to help at the end of the day we are also looking for volunteers to lock up after the group has finished. Anybody who wants to volunteer for "opening" or for "closing" the group should contact us.



Sites

Swedish news in English The local is a Swedish news web site written in English. It has a large and active community of users who regularly post on the forum. The forum is open to anyone in Sweden but there are a large number of Stockholm members who arrange get togethers. This is an excellent place for finding answers to general questions, and maybe getting to know a few people who live here.

The on-line community for English-Speaking mums in Sweden If your questions are more focused on small children, pregnancy, or breastfeeding you could visit Mums in Sweden. The name says it all. Most of the parents that come to the play group are also active members of this forum, so it's a great resource for keeping up with friends you have met at Hedgehogs.

fun way to develop your child's skills and confidence The Little Gym has classes for 0-3 year olds, 3-6 year olds & 6-12 year olds. It focuses on making exercise fun and enjoyable for your kids, and helps them with their physical development, and confidence.

Helping Expat Kids to read & write English English4Kids is there to help English speaking children living in Sweden to read and write in English. While children will easily learn to speak English, often Expat kids don't learn to read & write in English which can cause problems when they return to their native country. English4Kids caters for children from 1 year old right up to 13 years of age.

Life Counseling Life Counseling in English. Run by a clinical counselor and marriage & family therapist. It aims to help couples in whatever way they need. Moving & living in a different country, or being part of an intercultural relationship can sometimes cause feelings of anxiety, loneliness and sadness. Counseling by a native English speaker and someone that has gone through the process can help.

Kids Creative Workshops Kids Creative Workshops During the workshops Children will learn
· Problem solving by thinking outside the box and breaking down complex challenges.
· They will experiment with 2D and 3D artist quality mediums.
· Enhance their knowledge of English, artists, art history, cultural influences.
· Socialize with English-speaking children while gaining teamwork and presentation skills.
· Experience the fun of creating works of art.
· Practice focus and relaxation techniques.

Contact info
Kids Create Workshops
Olof Palmes Gata 25
111 22 Stockholm
Phone: 073-634-4838
E-mail: funworkshops@gmail.com



Contact Us

If you have questions, please contact us at :
Tel: 08 669 3793 or email us at Info@Hogalidhedgehogs.com