Support for difficult life events
Many kinds of concerns and questions can come up in life. Learn how to get help with challenges related to family and life.
Give feedback on the HelloEspoo.fi website and its translation tool(external link, opens in a new window)Challenges in a relationship
Usually, all relationships include occasional disagreements. The most common causes of repeated disputes are everyday matters, such as domestic work, cleaning and spending money.
Disputes can be caused by different perceptions, expectations and ways of doing things The problem may also be that expectations and wishes have not been discussed enough.
Violence is always wrong. Violence can be:
- physical, such as hitting
- mental, such as belittling or calling the other person names
- sexual, such as forced sexual acts
- economic, such as limiting the use of money
- honour-related, such as justifying violence as a means of preserving the honour of the family.
Violence is a crime in Finland, even when it targets a family member. If you experience violence or a threat of violence, you can seek help free of charge.
You can get help with domestic violence in a service called Omatila. If you have children, you can also bring the matter up at the maternity and child health clinic, where you will be helped further.
The WahvaNainen programme is meant for women. You can get support and advice in various everyday matters, changes related to life situations and guidance on how to proceed. You can also participate in different groups. You can get advice from Community House Espoo in Espoon keskus (Terveyskuja 2 B) in English, Arabic or French.
The Miehen Linja programme is aimed at men who have used violence in a family or other close relationship. There is also support available for men who are afraid of hurting their loved ones.
- Read more about support for victims of domestic violence on the Western Uusimaa Well-being Services County website.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Learn more about Omatila and see its contact details on the website of the Western Uusimaa Well-being Services County.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Read more about Wahva Nainen.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Read more about Miehen Linja.(external link, opens in a new window)
Couples’ therapy is a discussion tool for couples who want to improve their relationship. It features discussion with a trained professional. Its aim is to help the couple understand each other, resolve conflicts and strengthen the relationship. Couples’ therapy is available for all couples, even if you don’t have any trouble – it can also help prevent them.
Church in Espoo: family counselling
Evangelical Lutheran parishes provide discussion assistance for relationships, family and life questions. Their services are intended for Espoo residents, regardless of membership in the Church. Family counselling is available in Finnish, Swedish and English. Use of an interpreter is also possible. The service is free of charge.
LUVN relationship counselling
The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN) provides individual counselling sessions in relationship matters. You can talk about your situation to a professional and get advice, support and tips for your relationship. They can also tell you about other relationship services. The country refers to this service as ‘A life buoy for your relationship’.
Sometimes conflicts in a relationship can lead to a divorce. Divorce can be applied for by either spouse alone or by both spouses together. You can apply for divorce alone even if your spouse does not want to divorce.
Divorce is sought from the District Court. The court does not examine reasons behind the divorce application. You must apply for divorce in writing. You can file a divorce application with the office of the district court of either your home municipality or your spouse's home municipality. You can also submit the application to the district court’s office by post, telegram or e-mail. You can find the divorce application on the Suomi.fi website.(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish or Swedish)
The divorce application process has two stages.
- Submit a divorce application.
- Submit the divorce application again when the six-month reflection period is over.
Divorce is only granted after the second application. Divorce will be granted even if the other spouse opposes it.
The family law services of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN) provide help with changes in the family's situation, such as divorce or separation. You will receive information on contractual matters and issues related to spending time with your child, their living arrangements and child support.
If you are experiencing relationship problems, you can also ask the social welfare and health centre for help.
Problems in the family, with a child or young person
Here you can find information on where to get support for challenges related to your child or young person.
Family social work (social services for families with children) provides help and support for the everyday challenges of families.
Family social work services include
- home services,
- family work,
- social counselling,
- social work and
- support relationship activities.
Family social work involves social workers, social and other counsellors, and family workers. Services are almost always free of charge. Home services for families with children are subject to a fee, unless the family is a child welfare client or receives regular social assistance.
You can ask for an interpreter to join the call.
Education and family counselling
Education and family counselling supports you in raising children, in problematic family situations and in crises. In Espoo, education and family counselling is organised by the Western Uusimaa Well-being Services County (LUVN).
Ask for advice if, for example,
- you have concerns about your child’s behaviour.
- the child has difficulties in social relationships.
- your family has gone through a major change or loss.
- there are recurring problems or conflicts in the family.
The service is intended for families with children or young people under the age of 18. You can also receive advice during pregnancy. The service is free of charge.
Families receive guidance related to the development of children and young people, interpersonal relationships and social skills. The work supports the development of family interaction.
If the child or young person has problems with their school or their studies, it is a good idea to discuss them with the guidance counsellor. The school also employs a psychologist or social worker. They help students who have difficulties in school. Psychologists and social workers are part of student welfare.
If a child or young person is bullied at school, the school is obliged to intervene. Report any bullying to a teacher and the principal. Sometimes bullying can be a crime. For example, hitting or stealing are crimes that can also be reported to the police.
Child welfare helps families when other means are not sufficient. Child welfare supports families through outpatient care, for example through family work. The objective of outpatient care is to make the family’s everyday life easier. Sometimes, more help is needed. In this case, child welfare services can arrange alternative care for the child.
In Finland, it is a crime to hit or punish the child with violence. Violence scares the child and hinders their development. If a parent uses violence against a child or young person, the child or young person can ask for help from a school nurse, a family counselling centre or a Finnish Red Cross Youth Centre.
The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN) also provides mental health services to young people (13 and older). Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit the service centre at Iso Omena. We can assess your need for services and provide advice without an appointment.
Parishes in Espoo arrange walk-in therapy for 16–29-year-olds. The service is provided in simple Finnish and English.
You can talk about the following topics at the walk-in therapy:
- relationships
- studies, work
- mental health and related difficulties
- life crises and perseverance
- big and small worries.
Walk-in therapy is not for treating mental illnesses. It does not replace healthcare’s mental health services. Walk-in therapy is anonymous and free of charge.
Adapting to a new culture and family reunification
Adapting to a new culture takes time. Children often adopt a new culture faster than parents. Finland believes that both adopting a new culture and preserving one’s own culture are part of integration.
The new environment will affect family members in different ways and change their roles. Parents and children must learn a new language and new customs. Children often learn the language faster than their parents. Sometimes, they know how to act outside the home better than their parents. This may affect the role of children in the family.
In Finland, women study and work outside the home. When a woman who has moved to Finland studies or works outside the home, it could change previous roles in the family.
Sometimes, parents have their own challenges that prevent them from supporting their children. You can discuss your family’s situation confidentially with a social worker. An open discussion helps resolve conflicts.
Adaptation to a new culture may be felt as strong emotion fluctuations. Sometimes life in a new country feels good, but sometimes different values and lifestyles can cause loneliness and homesickness. You can discuss these feelings confidentially with a public health nurse or social worker, for example. Other immigrants can also share these experiences.
Cultural differences can sometimes cause problems within the family. Problems can be related to friends, dating or clothing. Parents might expect girls to behave differently from boys. It is important to talk about these things in the family. A young person has the right to ask why the parents expect them to behave in a certain way. No culture or religion shall restrict the fundamental rights of children and young people.
In Espoo, young girls can find counselling at Tyttöjen talo.(external link, opens in a new window)
Always ask the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) for advice on residence permits first.
In Espoo, the Hello Espoo Info also provides advice on basic matters related to residence permits. The exception to this is family reunification, which often requires advice from a lawyer. If you are applying for Finnish citizenship, you will be expected to handle the process on your own.
- For more information on residence permits and contact details, see the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Learn more about the challenges related to residence permits on the InfoFinland.fi website in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
- See the contact information for Hello Espoo in several languages.
Support for mental health challenges or ending substance abuse
Everyone will occasionally need support in difficult circumstances. Please do not hesitate to ask for help – you do not need to deal with your concerns alone. The goal of mental health and substance abuse services is to improve mental well-being and reduce the harm caused by substance abuse.
Contact mental health services if you have fears, anxiety or depression or if you suffer from another mental health problem. Please seek help as soon as possible so that your problems do not get worse.
Mielenterveystalo.fi is an online service that provides mental health information. You can find symptom surveys, self-care programmes and online therapy in the service. In addition to Finnish and Swedish, some of the content has been translated into English, Russian and Ukrainian.
MIELI ry's Crisis Helpline provides confidential and anonymous chat assistance to people in crisis. Talking to someone on the crisis telephone helps in a difficult situation and makes you feel better. The goal of the crisis telephone is to prevent suicides. Crisis Helpline offers assistance in Finnish, Swedish and English.
- See the contact details for Mieli ry’s Crisis Helpline here(external link, opens in a new window).
- Explore the mental health and substance abuse services on the website of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County.(external link, opens in a new window)
Learn more:
- Check out the Therapy Navigator(external link, opens in a new window) in Finnish, Swedish and English.
- Learn more about mental health and how to take care of it on InfoFinland.fi.(external link, opens in a new window)
You do not need to deal with intoxicant difficulties or substance addiction on your own. Intoxicants include alcohol, drugs and misused medicines. You can also be addicted to gambling or sex, for example.
The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN) helps both adults and young people aged 13–17. You will receive counselling and advice as well as a personal treatment plan.
You may receive addiction treatment to get rid of intoxicants or addictions. Treatment needs will be evaluated by a professional. Students can ask their own educational institution for advice.
Some of the addiction treatment is free of charge, but you will have to pay for some of it yourself.
The county also provides advice to users of intravenous drugs.
- Learn more about mental health and substance abuse services at the Iso Omena service centre.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Explore the Päihdelinkki website in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Learn more about getting help for substance addiction on the InfoFinland.fi website in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
The Linkki health advice and support centre is intended for persons using intravenous drugs. You can use the services anonymously without an appointment.
At the Linkki counselling service:
- you can get clean injection equipment
- you will be given information on health hazards, health promotion, infectious diseases and social welfare and health care services.
- you can get tested for an infectious or sexually transmitted disease (such as hepatitis C and HIV)
- you will receive treatment for small wounds.
Illusia day centre helps homeless people and substance abusers in particular. The day centre provides support for managing everyday matters and guidance in using social welfare and health care services. At the centre, you can wash yourself, do your laundry, rest and get food. The services are free of charge.
Contact information
Discover these services.
Hello Espoo Info
+358 40 6368097hello.espoo@espoo.fiIso Omena Service Centre, Suomenlahdentie 1 (third floor), 02230 Espoo.Hello Espoo Info offers foreign-language residents advice in many kinds of matters, such as:
✔ filling out forms
✔ taking care of official matters (Kela, Migri, taxes etc.)
✔ meaningful free time and wellbeing
✔ early childhood education and applying to daycare
✔ social services and benefits.
We can offer help in your own language, in simple Finnish or in English. If needed, we use telephone interpreters.
Read more and check the opening hours