Jönköping Student Union honoured for anti-drug initiatives

On Monday afternoon, representatives from Jönköping's pub and entertainment scene gathered in the town hall to receive certificates within the national project “Pubs against Drugs”. County Governor Brittis Benzler presented the awards to businesses that have shown a strong commitment to the preventive work against drugs. Among those certified was Jönköping Student Union.

“It feels great and is proof that the work we do is good,” says Rickard Bagge, Operations Manager at the Student Union.

The initiative Krogar mot Knark was launched in 2001 by STAD (Stockholm Prevents Alcohol and Drug Problems), in collaboration with authorities and the restaurant industry. The aim is to create safe and drug-free environments for both guests and staff through education, supervision, common policies, and clear statements.

Since the spring of 2023, STAD has had a national assignment to coordinate and disseminate the method, a work funded by the Public Health Agency of Sweden on behalf of the Government. The work is operated locally by each municipality based on common guidelines, and in Jönköping, the two-year work has now culminated in the county's first certifications.

National collaboration to prevent drugs in pubs and study environments

The certification takes place in connection with Krogar mot Knarks first national awareness week, which runs 5-11 May. During the week, actors across the country collaborate to draw attention to and strengthen the preventive work against drugs in pub and student environments.

The Student Union at JU was one of the organizations that was awarded a certification – a clear statement against drugs that will now be displayed on the union's premises. Since 2019, as part of JU's ANDTS work (work against alcohol, drugs, doping, tobacco and gambling), the union has worked actively to prevent alcohol and drug-related problems among students. The work has been done in close collaboration with the Student Health Care, the municipality, the police, and the county administrative board – a relationship that, according to Rickard Bagge, is unique in Sweden.

Two years ago, the union chose to join the local Krogar mot Knark network in Jönköping. Through the project, they have gained access to training, methodology, and a valuable exchange of experience with other actors in entertainment environments.

“This is fully in line with our goal to create a safer and more inclusive student social life. One of our core activities within the Student Union is student health. It is important to create safe and inviting environments in connection with the campus environment for an inclusive student life free of drugs and with a responsible approach to alcohol,” says Rickard Bagge.