You can find Itis Symppis on the ground floor of the building, with the entrance on the Turunlinnantie side. The City of Helsinki owns the building. The premises have been renovated for use by Symppis.
“I’m happy that we’ve found apt, permanent premises for Itis Symppis. It’s important that the location is easily accessible by public transport. All of this helps our clients access the services”, says Substance Abuse Services Manager Pia Pulkkinen from the City of Helsinki.
Engaging in dialogue with the surrounding area
Itis Symppis is open 10.00–15.30 from Monday to Friday, and a security guard is on duty throughout the opening hours.
“We engage in dialogue with local residents and businesses. By carrying out environmental and neighbourhood work, we ensure the safety, security and cleanliness of the area. Symppis employs neighbourhood workers, whom representatives of the neighbourhood can easily contact”, Pia Pulkkinen continues.
Symppis centres play an important role in combating the harmful effects of substance abuse
Symppis centres are low-threshold day centres that provide clients who use substances with services such as health and social counselling, needle and syringe exchange, vaccinations, peer support and employment measures.
The centre also serves porridge, coffee and bread. At Symppis, you can stay and use the facilities and services while under the influence of substances, and some services are available anonymously.
Helsinki also currently has Symppis centres in Sörnäinen and Vallila. Additionally, Symppis carries out outreach substance abuse work across the city.
Helsinki is focusing on substance abuse services in the face of a worsening drug situation. According to the City’s substance abuse strategy, adopted in August 2026, Symppis centres play a key role in low-threshold services aimed at reducing the harmful effects of substance abuse, as well as outreach substance abuse work and neighbourhood and environmental work.
In 2027, Itäkeskus Family Centre will move into the top floors of the same building. The entrance to the family centre is on the other side of the building, on the Tallinnanaukio Square side. There is no internal access for clients to move between the two services within the building.