I am new to Finland – what do I do?
We recommend starting with our free Family Cafés, where 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.
Jenni Pesola |📩 jenni.pesola@yksinvanhempana.fi | 📞 +358 44 793 6663
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
- Glossaries and guidance – Finnish Government
📞 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