SuomiKamu Friend Activities
The Red Cross SuomiKamu Friend Activities are aimed at people who have recently moved to Finland.
Settling into a new culture requires adapting to many new things. SuomiKamu Friend Activities offer support in getting to know the new location, language and culture. The friends are trained Red Cross volunteers.
What do SuomiKamu Friend Activities involve in practice?
Friends can do everyday things together, like cook dinner, go for a walk or explore the local area. They can also attend local events, discover local services, and explore recreational and cultural opportunities in the area. Through these shared activities, friends get to know each other and have the chance to practice Finnish together.
Friends decide what they would like to do together and how often they meet up. However, we ask that you commit to the activity for six months and meet your friend at least once a month.
How to become a SuomiKamu volunteer?
If you are open-minded and have skills in listening and being present, you are a suitable volunteer friend candidate. No special skills are required. However, we do require SuomiKamu volunteers to be at least 18 years old and to speak basic Finnish, as practicing Finnish is one of the main goals of the activity.
To join, you need to attend the Course on Friend Activities (3 hours) and the SuomiKamu orientation (2 hours). We also recommend the Supporting Integration training (3 hours).
You can find upcoming training sessions on Oma.
These trainings will prepare you to volunteer as a SuomiKamu friend. After completing the training, you can sign up to be matched with a suitable friend.
How can I get a SuomiKamu friend?
If you’ve moved to Finland, are at least 18 years old, and would like a friend, you can apply to join the activity. Availability varies by location. For more information, contact your local SuomiKamu friend service. See below for a list of available services and their contact details.
SuomiKamu Friend Services
SuomiKamu activities are currently available in seven municipalities in the Helsinki and Uusimaa district. For more information, contact your local SuomiKamu service:
More information:
Eveliina Pasanen
Immigration Work Planner
tel. 040 867 7440
eveliina.pasanen@redcross.fi
