Nearly 45,000 young people in Denmark are currently outside of both employment and education. Many of them struggle with loneliness, poor physical health, and low self-esteem. They often come from backgrounds marked by social challenges, and many are dealing with mental health challenges or diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD.

For many, everyday life lack structure, direction, and belief in the future. Through our Company Karma focus, hummel supports initiatives that strengthen mental wellbeing and create new opportunities through sport. Unge på Toppen is one of those initiatives.

Based in Southern Denmark, Unge på Toppen supports young people aged 18-25 on the edge of the labour market through a year-round programme combining physical training, personal development, and work placements, aimed at helping them move into employment or education.

The programme runs continuously throughout the year and is structured in phases. It begins with an introductory phase, followed by a main programme where participants build routines through regular training and development activities. Alongside this, they take part in work placements, gaining hands-on experience and gradually stepping closer to the job market.

“Through weekly training sessions, our young participants experience small victories, showing up, getting stronger, and moving forward. This creates stability and rebuilds confidence.”

Thomas Sonne, Founder of Unge på Toppen.

hummel is among the companies supporting Unge på Toppen by equipping the team with sportswear and gear, including special jerseys for when they reach the top of Alpe d’Huez.

“In simple terms, it’s about getting them moving again, not only on the bike, but in life. To believe that even if the road has been tough, they still have the strength to push forward and create a better future. And we ride alongside them for as long as they need us,”

-Thomas Sonne, Founder of Unge på Toppen

100% of the young participants who complete the program move forward in life, whether into employment, education, or the next right step for them.

Around 2 out of 3 are self-supported six months after completing the program. For those who are not yet there, the journey still creates progress. Many of them later find employment with continued support.

Get to know more about Unge på Toppen on their website (in Danish) or follow their journey on Facebook or LinkedIn.