Together For A Better Day: Music as a force for well-being

By Malin Norman | Photos: Joakim Ström @fotografstrom1977

One of the most significant concerts in Sweden, Together For A Better Day is striving to create hope for a better future. Arranged for the third time at Stockholm’s Avicii Arena in December, the unforgettable evening in support of young people’s mental health brought together world-class acts to break the stigma around mental illness.

The first Together For A Better Day concert took place in 2021, an evening in support of young people’s mental well-being. With some of the music world’s most acclaimed artists and the support of the Royal Swedish Philharmonic Orchestra, the event at Avicii Arena was a massive success, and a new concert followed in 2023.

On 3 December last year, Together For A Better Day returned to Stockholm for the third time with world-class acts including Aloe Blacc, the voice on Avicii’s Wake Me Up – one of Sweden’s biggest hits, as well as funk and disco icon Nile Rodgers, rock duo Good Neighbours from London, a cappella ensemble The Joy from South Africa, Berlin-based rapper WizTheMe, Norwegian singer Sigrid, and Swedish acts such as Seinabo Sey, Sarah Klang, and Killen, to name just a few.

The 2025 event, which was also broadcast live on HBO Max, was presented by a praised duo; singer and songwriter Ida-Lova together with comedian Christoffer Nyqvist. “It was such an incredible honour to stand in Avicii Arena and talk about something that’s so close to my heart. And to sing. In front of 13,000 people,” said Ida-Lova in an Instagram post after the event.

Ida-Lova, who co-hosted the gala with comedian Christoffer Nyqvist.

Creating hope for the future

An initiative by Tim Bergling Foundation, the main purpose of the Together For A Better Day concerts is to support and make visible the work for the mental well-being of young people, with young, forward-looking music artists in focus.

Working to normalise the conversation about mental health and suicide, the concert helps spread hope for a better future. As expressed by Tim Bergling Foundation; “This evening is for everyone who has felt alone – together we can fight for each other and create faith for a better future!”

Founded in 2019 by Klas Bergling and Anki Lidén in memory of their son Tim Bergling – the Swedish DJ, remixer and record producer known as Avicii – the foundation works to promote the mental health and well-being of children and young people through projects, such as the concerts and other collaborations.

The aim of Tim Bergling Foundation is a society where young people feel good, feel secure and have faith in the future, with the opportunity to reach their full potential. And those who are still feeling unwell should be offered support quickly.

Nile Rodgers and Molly Hammar.

What we need, for a better day

At the heart of the foundation’s work is For A Better Day – an initiative that gathers young people’s voices about what they need to feel good and have a better day. In 2021, the book Det här behöver vi, For A Better Day (This is what we need, For A Better Day) was published in collaboration with Bris, Mind and Suicide Zero. Inspired by Avicii’s song For A Better Day, released in 2015, the book serves as a reminder that young people should not only be described, they should be heard.

In connection with last year’s Together For A Better Day concert, volume 2 of the book was released in partnership with Atrium Ljungberg, this time including 1,000 new quotes from young people up to the age of 25. A call to adults to listen, the book has been presented to Swedish party leaders and was shown during the concert at Avicii Arena.

According to the foundation; “These are words that are sometimes painful to read, but which also carry hope, courage, and direction. It serves as a reminder of responsibility, of the reality young people face, and of what they need to feel good, both today and in the future.”

Podcast, studios and open stage

Tim Bergling Foundation also creates opportunities for young people through Studios For A Better Day, with music studios around Sweden designed by Jens Eklund, who was behind Avicii’s studio in Los Angeles, and the new project called Open Stage For A Better Day – both fantastic initiatives for young people to develop their creative side, meet new friends, and realise their music dreams.

Together with Ångestpodden, the foundation has also started Podcast For A Better Day, where students can get practical support in starting their own podcast about mental health with, for instance, sourcing equipment and getting digital training. The goal is to create a safe place for young people to talk about difficult feelings.