The Builders of a Good Life programme is based on listening to residents’ needs and ideas, as well as close cooperation between organisations and the different divisions of the City of Helsinki. The aim is to strengthen the wellbeing of children, young people and families, support smooth everyday life and increase people’s sense of community.
The programme is intended to be funded on a long-term basis, creating continuity for the development programme in the area.
“By joining forces with different operators and funders, we can tackle everyday challenges more efficiently and effectively,” comments CEO Ulla Nord from the Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation.
The programme will be joined by other funders as well, one being the Tukikummit Foundation.
“Being involved as the Tukikummit Foundation in the Builders of a Good Life programme gives us an opportunity to respond to the changing situation in Finland, where the number of disadvantaged families is growing and increasingly many children and young people are affected by financial hardship. We see their need up close and want to be concretely present to provide support, hope and opportunities for children. Our cooperation with the Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation will strengthen our ability to build a safe and community-oriented everyday life where every child has the right to belong and find their own path,” says CEO Emilia Åberg.
Other foundations joining the programme will be announced in 2026.
The activities will start in phases at the beginning of 2026
In Malmi and Tapulikaupunki, the programme will start at the beginning of 2026 and continue until the end of 2028. The funding obtained will be used in the areas to:
- provide a wide range of support services for families
- support the work of schools and daycare centres
- provide more leisure time activities
- provide young people with coaching, conversational support and group activities
- organise events and resident-oriented experiments
- invite volunteers to get involved.
“Together, we are developing new operating models that genuinely work in everyday life. It is great to be building all of this together – the partnership is an important step towards a stronger sense of community and the long-term promotion of wellbeing,” remarks Director of Youth Affairs Mikko Vatka from the City of Helsinki.
The views of the staff and pupils of Maatulli Comprehensive School were already collected for the first time in spring 2025. “We believe that this operation will increase community spirit, leisure activity opportunities for children and safety in the neighbourhood. We are very much looking forward to this,” says Principal Heli Siljama from Maatulli Comprehensive School.
The programme will have dedicated premises in Malmi and Tapulikaupunki.
Participating organisations:
Parenting support: Finnish Association for Children and Youth, Parasta Lapsille ry
Enjoyable activities and leisure time: Helsinki YMCA, Malmin Palloseura, Music Institute of Northern Helsinki, Tapanilan Erä Karate ry, Walter ry
Managing in everyday life and mental wellbeing: Helsinki Deaconess Institute, Kohtaus ry, Mieli ry
Community work: Kukunori ry, Sky Nuoret ry
Volunteers: Lions District 107-N and Tapulin Dynamo ry
