I was recently out on medical leave for four months. I just moved to Knivsta, a new town for me, and didn’t know anyone. So when I noticed a request for volunteers and turned up at my local volunteer center, Lyckträffen. I started by volunteering at the language cafe, which supports those new to Sweden and those learning Swedish through SFI. I also said I’d help out with the mobile phone skills class.

That I was asked to volunteer at a Swedish language cafe still makes me laugh. I’m not fluent, but my Swedish is good enough to help other people learn. Just don’t pick up my accent or my mistakes. Most people say I sound English, except those familiar with Dutch: apparently, the way I roll my “r”s gives me away.

The mobile phone skills turned out to be a great fit. I have so much knowledge around technology – and I’m good at explaining it to all sorts of different types of people. I was occasionally asked if I worked in support. Apparently, that willingness to help people learn doesn’t disappear, even when sick, tired, or hurting. The group had an average age of about 75 years; I was so impressed by their skills and willingness to jump in. I’m most proud of teaching the group how to copy/paste and switch applications – I laugh when I say that, but it was a humbling experience to help people learn skills that so many consider obvious.

I’ll be leading the Android section of the course during our spring term, and I’m looking forward to tackling topics like buying train tickets on your phone. I’m also still an active volunteer at our language cafe.

One Friday afternoon, I wandered in for a sandwich. I ended up in the middle of a sing-along of popular 1960s and 70s songs – none of which I knew, but that was fine. If you’re curious, my favorites were Balladen om herr Fredrik Åkare och den söta fröken Cecilia Lind and Edvard Persson – Kalle på spången. The people at my table enjoyed my attempts. In many ways, I’ve learned so much about Swedish culture just by turning up.

In my town of Knivsta, 92 volunteers volunteered 3463 hours in 2025. At our yearly party, I was interviewed together with my co-volunteer, Christina. The article is in Swedish but you can see a photo of the two of us. My key message: everyone is welcome, and everyone can volunteer.

I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity. I could have spent my medical leave isolated and lonely. Instead, I’ve connected, become part of the community, and found ways to give back. I get recognized on the street: welcome to small(ish) town life.

Title image credit: Charlotte Harrison on Unsplash