In November 2025, Alexander Floß, Community and Neighbourhood Coordination Advisor at GBG Unternehmensgruppe participated in Eurhonet’s Exchange Programme. He headed to Helsingborgshem in Helsingborg, Sweden, to dive deep into their neighbourhood-related work.
Can you tell us about you and your professional role?
“As an advisor for the topics of community-work and neighbourhood coordination, I serve as the contact person for cooperation with (social) organisations in the neighbourhoods and manage the GBG Group’s engagement in the areas of neighbourhood management and community development.”
What was the goal of your Exchange?
“The exchange took place in Helsingborg, Sweden.
The in-person meetings of the Social Integration Topic Group provided many insights into the different companies. It was a wonderful opportunity to deepen these impressions through the exchange and to seek personal interaction.
The main objective was to learn about neighbourhood-related work and share knowledge and experiences.”
How did the Exchange go?
“It was a very interesting but also a very intense week in Helsingborg. I received a warm welcome and had the opportunity to learn about many interesting projects.
This process generated new ideas, which I will take with me as inspiration back to Mannheim. The project that impressed me most was Sällbo. This innovative project creates something unique in terms of housing and integration.”
What did you learn from the Exchange?
“I’m bringing back a suitcase full of new ideas to Mannheim. Although some working conditions differ, we share many commonalities. It’s valuable to think outside the box and explore new approaches.
The exchange with colleagues and the site visits were truly enriching. It was fascinating to discover new or alternative methods and reflect on our own practices.”
What differences and similarities did you notice between your companies?
“Many of the challenges we fundamentally face are quite similar. This applies, for example, to neighbourhood development. We are committed to supporting our tenants, involving them and creating a safe environment. Even though we have different conditions and requirements, we share the same goal and can learn a lot from each other.”
Was there anything that surprised you?
“I was surprised by a few things during my visit. The first thing I noticed was the organisation of the headquarter of Helsingborgshem .
In Helsingborg nobody has a “permanent” workspace. It’s very openly organised with plenty of communal areas and space. Nevertheless, there are rooms available for closed meetings.
It felt like a very warm working atmosphere, which fulfills everybody’s needs.”
What would you say to other people thinking about doing the Exchange Programme?
“Go for it!
The exchange is an excellent opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, build your network, and collect valuable experience.”
About the Exchange Programme
The Exchange Programme gives employees of our member organisations the chance to spend 3-5 days working alongside their counterpart in another member organisation. During this time, they learn different approaches and methods to tackle similar challenges in another cultural context.
We believe that all employees should have access to learning opportunities and be encouraged to grow professionally. Employees at all levels of an organisation and in all roles are eligible to take part in the Exchange Programme.
