In post-industrial countries, collaboration and partnership between schools and stakeholdershave become popular governance models for addressing social problems. Given theprominence of segregation and socioeconomic disparities in Malmö, schools are instrumentalin combating inequality and fostering social capital. This research paper explores theexperiences of school-based youth workers in economically disadvantaged areas of Malmöwithin an organization grounded in community-based practices and perspectives. Research hascontinually underscored the importance of relationships in social work and related arenas suchas education, despite rarely delving deeper into how these relationships are formed. This studyseeks insight into how youth workers based in the schools understand their practices ofrelationship-building with youths. The study employs qualitative research methods to delve intothese aspects, specifically semi-structured interviews with 11 participants. Through theseinterviews, five key aspects of relationship building were identified: showing care by being yourgenuine self, challenging, providing support, sharing power, and creating opportunities. Thestudy contributes to our understanding of the mechanics of building relationships with youngpeople and can be relevant for others working in similar or related work settings.