On young people's terms

This article has originally been published in the Espoo Magazine 3/2022.
Read other articles in the Espoo Magazine 3/2022
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Now that school has started, the youth centre operated by Espoo’s Youth Services at Perkkaa joint comprehensive school is open. The centre has game consoles, a pool table and sofas for lounging. There are also six PC gaming computers, a kitchen for preparing food and a small gym where visitors can play sports with their mates to pass the time. 

“The activities hosted in this space are planned together with the young people using it,” said Service Manager Carina Granholm before the youth centre was opened. 

As at other youth centres in Espoo, the programme will include after-school club activities. From 17:00 onwards, the youth centre will be open to all. 

“Generally, youth centres are open until 21:00 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and until 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.” 

During the Espoo Celebrates! week, on 26 August, youth centres operated by Espoo’s Youth Services around the city have an open house for everyone, parents included, from 17:30 to 21:00. 

“Everyone is welcome to meet the instructors and to see the premises where young people spend time.” 

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Last winter, a recreation room for young adults, titled Olotila (literally ‘state of being’), was opened at the Ohjaamo One-Stop Guidance Centre for young people in Leppävaara. This recreation room is a place for playing games, hanging out, meeting new people, doing schoolwork or just chilling out. The activities provided are designed according to user input. 

“People have really great conversations here. The youth workers are here in case anyone needs someone to talk to about their private matters,” says Arttu Pöyhtäri, Activities Coordinator with the Espoo mental health association EMY. 

Olotila in Leppävaara is open on Mondays, 15:00–18:00. There is another, previously established Olotila in Olari. This recreation room is open on Wednesdays 16:00–20:00 and on Thursdays and Fridays 15:00–19:00. The activities provided are intended for young adults aged 18 to 32.