With a fire pit and drill, Jørgen and Charlotte help bring neighbours closer together

You can live close to someone for years without really knowing them. But sometimes, all it takes is one shared activity to make a connection and build better relationships with your neighbours.

That is what Jørgen and Charlotte have experienced at Østerfælled Torv in Østerbro. They take an active role in community life and put a great deal of effort into bringing neighbours closer together. Charlotte is a member of one of the property’s four courtyard committees, while Jørgen also gets involved and lends his handyman skills to his neighbours. For them, being a good neighbour starts with being around, saying hello and taking the time to chat.

Their efforts have earned them the Kvartalets Balder-nabo award for the third quarter of 2026. They were nominated by their neighbour Else, who writes: “Jørgen and Charlotte are simply lovely neighbours.”

Watch as Balder visits Jørgen and Charlotte and presents them with their well-deserved prizes.

Small initiatives spark new connections

Jørgen and Charlotte’s inspiration for bringing neighbours together comes from Funen, where they have had a family property for several years. There, they have seen how simple events can help people connect within a local community.

They are keen to bring those ideas to Østerfælled Torv. As a member of the courtyard committee, Charlotte has helped organise a flea market followed by a relaxed barbecue, as well as a Halloween pumpkin-carving activity. The committee also has plans for a cosy Christmas get-together.

“It doesn’t have to be a big event or take a lot of time to organise. When we get together in the courtyard, for example, we get to say hello to people we may only have seen in passing. That makes it feel more natural to stop and chat the next time we meet,” says Charlotte.

The couple have also given the courtyard’s fire pit area some care and attention, much to their neighbours’ delight. It now offers another inviting spot to get together.

Building connections with a helping hand

Practical tasks also play a part in bringing neighbours closer together. Jørgen is always happy to help, whether someone needs to drill into the hard concrete walls or carry something heavy.

“I have the tools, and I’m happy to lend a hand if a neighbour needs help with a practical task. It matters that we talk to each other and know we can ask one another for help. That’s how we build a sense of belonging,” says Jørgen.

For the couple, helping others and building a community go hand in hand. When you know one another, it becomes easier to ask for help and to notice when someone might need a hand, even if they have not asked.

That is why they keep finding new reasons to get together.

“New neighbours and new ideas can bring a community to life. We’re always happy to help make that happen,” they both say.

Everyone at Balder would like to congratulate Jørgen and Charlotte on their well-deserved award. You can nominate your own neighbour at any time and find out more about the award here.