I am new to Finland – what do I do?
We recommend starting with our free Family Cafés
You’ll meet other parents and peer volunteers in a warm, no-pressure environment.
– Coffee, snacks/food, space to talk. Kids are greatly welcome!
– Events are held mostly in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa.
📅 Find events in your area in our Calendar.
Not sure where to go or what’s available?
Write or call us – we will guide you.
Elo Perttola |📩 elo.perttola@yksinvanhempana.fi | 📞 +358 40 640 3756 |
I’m tired and need time for myself.
Use our free childcare service: KidCare – Tenavatupa
– Evening and weekend care for children aged 2–10.
– While you study, rest, work, or run errands.
– Completely free of charge for single-parent families.
– Just register in advance and tell us your child’s need.
📅 Find next KidCare in our Calendar.
I feel lonely and need to talk.
Join our English-speaking (or multilingual) Peer Support – in person and on WhatsApp
– No pressure to speak perfectly – just be yourself.
– Free childcare available during offline sessions.
– Led by trained volunteers or staff.
📩 info@yksinvanhempana.fi | 📞 +358 40 640 3756
I’m in a crisis or struggling emotionally.
We offer professional support
– One-on-one and group support.
– Online and in person.
– Safe space for single parents facing burnout, trauma, or long-term stress.
– Together, we create the kind of support you need.
Susanna Ruuhilahti |📩 susanna.ruuhilahti@yksinvanhempana.fi | 📞 +358 40 544 2272
I want to do something fun with my kid.
Join our day trips, camps, and family retreats!
– Nature walks, picnics, seasonal activities.
– Camps during school breaks.
– Meet other families.
– Join fun activities.
– Some are low-cost or fully supported for low-income families.
📅 Check our Calendar.
I want my child to have more supportive adults in life.
Ask for a volunteer help.
– Buddies for Kids – Mieskaverit: Buddies for Kids support for kids missing contact with own father. Petriina Perkiömäki | 📩petriina.perkiomaki(a)yksinvanhempana.fi
– Monthly fun activities, bonding, and care.📩 Contact info: www.mieskaverit.fi
– Grandma’s: Grandma volunteers for families without relatives nearby. 📩 mummila@yksinvanhempana.fi
🏠 Need official social services?
What are single-parent families in Finland
Financial support for families
KELA – Child benefits and child support (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.)
Food Aid
📞 Crisis hotlines and chat support
Kirkon keskusteluapu – Church-based conversation help (non-religious welcome)
Mieli.fi – Mental health chat
Mannerheimin lastensuojeluliitto – Crisis chat and hotline
Ensi- ja turvakotien liitto – Domestic violence & child safety