Immigrant Support

Photo: Suvi Elo, Suomen Punainen Risti

Join us in supporting immigrants

The Finnish Red Cross assits immigrants, particularly those in vulnerable situations. I the Helsinki and Uusimaa region, volunteers actively support early stages of integration and organize activities for undocumented individuals or those at risk of becoming undocumented.

As a volunteer, you can help promote inclusion and well-being, and support immigrants in activities that enhance language learning. The most important aspect of these activities is meeting people and fostering a sense of belonging.

In our activities, you can support immigrants in various ways, such as:

Guiding participants in the Helpers' Club (Auttajaklubi), Homework Help (LäksyH´helppi), Friend Café FA (Ystäväkahvila EA), language clubs, or cooking clubs
Being a SuomiKamu volunteer friend to an immigrant
Volunteering in healthcare or Friend Activities at health points aimed at undocumented individuals
Providing everyday support, such as assistance with practical housing matters and helping them get familiara with their local surroundings.

Get involved!

No prior experience in volunteering is required. We provide comprehensive orientation on topics related to supporting integration and issues surrounding undocumented individuals. In addition, several advanced training opportunities are available. Training paths vary depending on your role.

Familiarise yourself with the Finnish Red Cross activities that support integration through the Supporting Integration course.
Familiarise yourself with volunteering activities concerning undocumented individuals via Undocumented migration in Finland basic training.
Find more trainings with Oma's event search, by using relevant search terms (eg. 'supporting integration' or 'undocumented').

Our courses address specific questions related to these topics and how volunteering promotes the well-being and inclusion of immigrants.

For more information about the trainings, please check the contact information from each activity described below.

Join our activities!

Language clubs offer a low-threshold opportunity to practise everyday language skills in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. As a volunteer, you do not need teaching experience. What matters most is an encouraging attitude and a willingness to meet people from different backgrounds.

Activities may include discussing various topics, exploring current issues in small groups, playing games, or watching easy-to-understand news together.

For information about language clubs in your area, please contact your local Red Cross branch.

For more information about language clubs for undocumented individuals, please contact

Olavi Soivio

Planning Officer, National Undocumented Programme
On leave until 31 December 2026
olavi.soivio@redcross.fi
Tel. 040 680 5735

The Specialist in Immigration Work is also happy to help you in case you are looking for a language club or interested in starting a new one!

Eveliina Pasanen

Migrant Support Specialist
tel. 040 867 7440
eveliina.pasanen@redcross.fi

Health Points for undocumented people provide free, low-threshold health advice, guidance, and support without an appointment to anyone who needs it.

The Health Points are staffed by volunteer healthcare professionals as well as volunteers from Friend Activities, each supporting visitor in their own role. Professional healthcare qualifications are highly valuabe in this activity, but we are also looking for Friend Activity volunteers who can offer conversation, support, and a welcoming presence.

The Health Points operate on alternate weeks in two locations in Helsinki: Toivon Talo in Herttoniemi and the Hirundo Mobile unit in Eliel Square. Both locations are operated by the Deaconess Foundation.

Olavi Soivio

Planning Officer, National Undocumented Programme
On leave until 31 December 2026
olavi.soivio@redcross.fi
Tel. 040 680 5735

The Cooking club is all about sharing the experience of cooking and enjoying a meal together. As a volunteer, you can help plan the club's menu and take part in other club-related tasks. Most importantly, however, the focus is on spending time together with the participants.

The Cooking club meets on the last Monday of every month from 5 PM to 8 PM at Varustamo, located in Hermanni Diakoniatalo.

Olavi Soivio

Planning Officer, National Undocumented Programme
On leave until 31 December 2026
olavi.soivio@redcross.fi
Tel. 040 680 5735

As a SuomiKamu volunteer, you become a friend to someone who has recently moved to Finland and help them get familiar with Finnish society, local culture, and the language. Together, you can do everyday activities such as going for a walk, cooking, or exploring local hobbies and recreational opportunities.

Relevant trainings:

Contact:

Eveliina Pasanen

Migrant Support Specialist
tel. 040 867 7440
eveliina.pasanen@redcross.fi

As an Everyday support (Arjen apu) volunteer, you help newcomers with practical aspects of daily life and housing. You meet with a participant 3 to 10 times during the early stages of their intergration, focusing on specific themes such as housing-related matters, grocery shopping, or obtaining a library card.

Training available:

Arjen apu training

Contat us:

Eveliina Pasanen

Migrant Support Specialist
tel. 040 867 7440
eveliina.pasanen@redcross.fi

Homework Help (Läksyhelppi) volunteers support students when schoolwork feels challenging and they are not getting enough support at home. In addition to helping with homework and studies, volunteers provide encouragement and a listening ear when school or studying feels difficult.

Training available: