More than two million visits are made to Helsinki’s swimming halls, sports halls, gyms, weight training halls and outdoor swimming pools each year. Sports Services aims to promote an operating culture in which everyone can focus on physical activity and wellbeing as they are, without fear of discrimination, harassment or inappropriate treatment.
“The joy of exercise should be accessible to absolutely everyone. We want everyone to be able to come to Helsinki’s sports facilities as their true selves and feel welcome. The principles for a safer space highlight the kind of behaviour we expect from all users at our sports facilities – including ourselves," says Head of Unit, Sports Facilities Anu Jokela.
The principles for a safer space relate to attitudes, interaction between people and how people take each other into consideration. They supplement other safety practices at sports facilities and encourage all customers and staff to foster a positive and respectful atmosphere.
The principles for a safer space at indoor sports facilities in Helsinki have been drawn up in collaboration with city residents and staff of indoor sports facilities. During the preparatory phase, customers, stakeholders and sports services staff were consulted on which practices would foster a sense of community and lower the barrier to start exercising.
The principles for a safer space are displayed at sports facilities on signs and digital information screens in Finnish, Swedish, English, Arabic, Somali and Russian. Sports facilities also have printed safer space leaflets, which can be distributed as required in the same languages. The principles for a safer space can also be found on the Sports and Recreation website at liikunta.hel.fi(Link leads to external service) as well as on the individual sports facilities’ own websites.
The aim of these principles is to promote equality, mutual respect and wellbeing at City of Helsinki’s Sports Services’ facilities.
Helsinki Sports Services principles for a safer space
Everyone is welcome
Everyone is equally entitled to enjoy physical activity. Everyone is welcome to move as they are and in a way that suits them, without judgement. Each of us is an enabler of physical activity. You can influence the exercise experience of others through your own actions.
Being considerate of others
Treat others as you would like to be treated. Communicate with everyone respectfully and without raising your voice unnecessarily. Make room for others. Focus on your own activities and give others a chance to have a good experience as well. Help others, if requested. Also take into account first-timers.
Body peace
Respect everyone’s physical integrity, both in the way you talk and the way you act. Sexual behaviour and harassment are prohibited.
Non-discrimination
Respect the diversity of people. Discriminatory or racist speech and actions are prohibited.
Intervention
Behave properly and expect others to do so as well. If you witness discrimination, harassment, racism or other inappropriate behaviour, please intervene in it or report it to sports facility staff.