Meet the organisation: Teen Challenge Finland helps people break free from addictions and crime
Teen Challenge Finland ry, based in Espoo, is a non-profit organisation that provides support for overcoming substance abuse and a criminal past. At its meeting place in Matinkylä, the association organises peer support groups, work activities, community events, youth evenings, and free sports activities for 12–17-year-olds.
Teen Challenge Finland offers support to anyone who wants to change their life and break free from substance abuse or a criminal lifestyle. The activities help prevent social exclusion, strengthen life management skills, promote inclusion and support the wellbeing of families.
Volunteers and experts-by-experience play a central role in the work of Teen Challenge Finland. The association cooperates with the City of Espoo, the Prison and Probation Service of Finland, as well as the detoxification unit and housing services of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN).
At the NGO Day event last spring, the City of Espoo named Teen Challenge Finland as NGO of the Year 2024. The recognition was awarded for the association’s “long-term people-centred work in substance abuse prevention and in encouraging people to lead a crime-free life”.
Teen Challenge Finland is part of the international Teen Challenge network, which operates in over 140 countries.