– It is great to receive such an award. You get a little overwhelmed. It’s nice to feel that you mean something to someone, at least to Emil. That’s what Kristian Brujordet says. He is the general manager at Egon in Tromsø, and received the “Tabu prize” on Tuesday. The Council for Mental Health is behind the honorary award. It is given to “…a person or organization that helps to break down prejudices, break taboos and promote inclusion, consideration and openness about mental health.” – It is Emil who has nominated me for the award, and uses us at Egon very often. Brujordet was nominated by one of the regulars at the Egon restaurant, Emil C. Fredshammer. The restaurant manager is said to have facilitated the creation of a gathering place that is about more than food and turnover for a group of regulars who call themselves “gutta”, according to the Council for Mental Health. Egon became the gathering place for the “guts” According to Emil Fredhammer, a regular at Brujordet, he had an inclusive attitude, was considerate of others and gave the “guts” Christmas and birthday cards. In his nomination, he describes Brujordet’s efforts as follows: – In an everyday life where we psychiatric patients have no point of reference to be present in, Kristian Brujordet has had a very generous and socially inclusive attitude towards me as a guest at Egon in Tromsø for many years by maintaining social inclusion, thoughtfulness with both gifts for Christmas and birthdays. – I have gradually made many good friendships at the restaurant, says Fredhammer’s nomination of the restaurant manager. He has made a place for us. Kristian Brujordet is touched that Emil, and the others, appreciate that he has created a meeting place for them in his restaurant. – This makes you more aware of the work that has been done. For us, this means that maybe we should put this more into the system in the future, when we realize that it means something to people, he says. – No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone, says general secretary Tove Gundersen. Photo: Simen Wingstad / news – It is important that zealots go before Tove Gundersen, secretary general of the Council for Mental Health, is full of praise for Brujordet: – Individuals who make an extra effort to include and contribute to more people experiencing belonging and support often have a great effect on the mental health of fellow human beings. She believes Kristian Brujordet’s award is well deserved: – He has shown an effort for inclusion and arranging meeting places for people who need it. It is important for mental health to experience community. – It is important that zealots lead the way and that efforts are put into a system Gundersen believes that openness is sometimes about people being allowed to share, flourish and live life to the fullest. – By having an open attitude and finding solutions for people who are otherwise struggling, Brujordet offers a place to stay that triggers interaction and a sense of self-worth. For this he deserves the Taboo Prize, says the general secretary. The Minister of Health: – Touching to hear Minister of Health Jan Christian Vestre (Ap), thank the award winner for the work he has done. Vestre points out that he promotes community, belonging and facilitates more openness. – It is touching to hear and see how your regulars talk about you. – You have created a gathering place with room for community and generosity. This creates a sense of belonging and gives coping: It makes our society better, says the Minister of Health. – Community is, as we know, important to us humans, says the Minister of Health about the award winner. Photo: Magnus Skatvedt Iversen / news Published 27.08.2024, at 09.02 Updated 27.08.2024, at 09.08
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