Social work / youth work in Finland

Social work / youth work in Finland

Youth house

The youth house is located in Varissuo. Three women and one man are working there. Normally around 40 to 50 youngsters spend their free time in the youth house.

The centre offers a lot of different activities for the youngsters. A table tennis-table, a billiard table are in the back of the centre, in the main are is a small stage, many couches, tables and chairs and not to mention the playstation.

For the stuff the youth house provides an office, a toilet and a kitchen. For the youngsters the kitchen and the office are prohibited.

The opening hours are from 4 o’clock to 9 o’clock each day except the office day on Tuesday. On Fridays the centre is open until 10 o’clock to offer the youngsters a longer evening.

Youth work

The work in the Youth House is about preventing the youngsters to do illegal things, such as taking drugs, alcohol, smoking and else. The workers are supposed to act like idols.

Also the workers help the youngsters to deal with daily problems in school, work family based ones.

Organising events, activities and workshops are also included in the job of a youth counsellor.

But the most important task is to help the youngsters to a healthier and more ambitioned lifestyle. For example push them to find a prober job, to get a good education and live healthy.