Putting people first: How can Europe grow its social economy?

When we talk about the economy, we often mention growth, profits, managers and shareholders.

In this latest episode of Real Economy, we travel to Sweden's second-largest city, Gothenburg, to learn more about another type of economy, one that puts people first: the social economy.

Matilda Holgersson is a 31-year-old Swede with a profound love for music, arts, and cats. Several years ago, health issues kept her away from the job market for five years.

"In 2017, I was studying at university, but I had a burnout and was diagnosed with exhaustion syndrome and depression. It happened very quickly, and I became very ill," she told Real Economy reporter Bryan Carter.

"The first six months, I don't remember much because I was in such a bad state and had severe anxiety. I was hospitalised a lot and had very heavy treatments."

Gradually, Matilda managed to feel better and get her social life back. Part of her healing process comes from the job she’s had for the last six months at Ängås Gård, a food production and events cooperative, which offers Matilda, and people with similar struggles, an opportunity to bounce back.

"The positive aspect of working in a cooperative is that you help each other and there is a lot of understanding of each other’s needs," she revealed.

"In places where I have worked before, it was seen as a bit odd to have a bad day. You are not supposed to show how you're feeling. But here you're allowed to be just as you are. You work as much as you can."

Matilda’s workplace is part of a sales organisation called Social Trade. Led by its CEO, Mari Odenbjörk, it seeks to overcome some of the stigma in Sweden associated with cooperatives and social enterprises, in order to build business ties with more traditional types of