“You made my day!” Last week, social worker Essi Kasari was complimented by a young person that had come to Ohjaamo for assistance. The feedback made her feel good. Essi Kasari and employment services specialist Krista Ihalainen both say that the best part of their work is when young people leave Ohjaamo in good spirits because their help has helped resolve or make some progress on an issue.
“We try to give our clients faith in the future. We help them tackle problems they might be facing so they can get back on track,” Kasari said.
Ohjaamo is a network of guidance centres for people under 30. Anyone is welcome to walk in and receive guidance or get help with anything that is on their mind, no appointment required. Professionals with specialisations in several different areas are always on hand to help. Young people are also free to contact Ohjaamo by telephone, email and the online messaging platform Discord. All of the services are provided free of charge.
In addition to Ohjaamo’s regular employees, representatives from the social benefits agency Kela, finance and debt advisory services, and the Kurvi service of the Finnish Refugee Council are on hand each week.
A team of diverse professionals lends a hand to young people
As an employment services specialist, Ihalainen assists young people who visit Ohjaamo with job searches and any related issues. Social worker Kasari supports young people with things they are concerned about, such as money problems or issues associated with their wellbeing or coping skills. Every working day is different.
“Our team is made up of people with diverse specialties, and that’s important. Many young people have several things on their mind when they arrive at Ohjaamo. The employee on the ‘captain’ shift first greets them, listens to what they have to say and then directs them to the professionals that can help them best,” Ihalainan said.
The employees also help each other in many ways. Each working day starts with a short team meeting and ends with a joint review of the day. This means that no employee has to struggle with the components of their work alone. The service has received a large amount of positive feedback from their clients and their cooperative partners over the years, which pleases Ihalainen and Kasari.
“I think people can sense the supportive atmosphere and community spirit we have here. Everyone is treated in a kind and friendly manner,” said Kasari.
Ohjaamo celebrates 10 years of helping others
Ohjaamo was founded a decade ago to provide older teens and young adults with an easily accessible service that they could just walk into without an appointment. Now the service is celebrating its tenth year of operations.
During Ohjaamo’s anniversary week, 20–25 October, the service will have plenty of programme on offer. A recruitment event will give young people a chance to practice job interviews and have a free photo taken for their CV on site.
An expert discussion panel will also give advice on topics such as student loans and how to apply for rental housing. In line with the anniversary week’s theme of wellbeing, there will be a presentation of the wide variety of free-time activities that are available in Helsinki.
“Anyone interested in the themes being explored as part of the anniversary week can pop in at any time to the open-door event. Everyone is welcome to simply come and watch the panels and events, as active participation in the programme is completely optional.” Ihalainen and Kasari emphasize.
Young people are invited to visit on their own or with their friends. Families can also contact Ohjaamo if they are interested in learning more. To sum up their activities, Kasari and Ihalainen said that “Ohjaamo is the place to go when you don't know where to start. You don't need to know anything in advance.”
