The world changed overnight when Russia attacked Ukraine on Thursday 24 February 2022. Espoo has zero tolerance towards discrimination and inappropriate treatment of others. At the same time, we are preparing for possible threats.
Ukraine has been attacked by the Russian army by order of the Russian state leadership. People of Russian origin living in Finland cannot be blamed for the situation in Ukraine. It is important that we all support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people – both those who have stayed in their home country and those who have fled the war. Hate speech and harassment do not help anyone in this situation. We hope that people can come together and channel this frustration and energy into helping those in distress.
We will update the content on this page as we get more information.
The rescue department wants to remind people that, at present, no such threat exists against Finland that would require the use of civil defence shelters.
People fleeing the war in Ukraine should apply for temporary protection. You can apply for it through the police or the border control authorities, just like asylum.
Advance information will also help municipal authorities to make necessary preparations.
The right to municipal services is determined by the person’s residence status. Every person residing in the municipality has the right to receive essential health and social services regardless of their residence status.
Asylum seekers and people who have been granted temporary protection receive health and social services at the reception centre.
The Growth and Learning Sector provides early childhood education, pre-primary education, basic education, upper secondary education and youth services. Further information on the HelloEspoo.fi(external link) website.
The situation in Ukraine is difficult, and the country and its people will need help for a long time.
Help for people arriving in Espoo
There are many assistance points operating in different parts of the city. These locations offer food and social support to Ukrainians. Money donations are still needed to ensure that help can be provided in the war zone.
Ukraine Help Center Espoo , Ajurinkatu 2
The City of Espoo’s Information and Assistance Centre in Leppävaara offers advice and guidance on official matters, such as social services, education, housing and employment.
The centre also offers gift cards for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Reuse Centre (Kierrätyskeskus), allowing Ukrainians to get household items and other necessary items. We recommend that you donate items directly to the Reuse Centre.
Ukraine Help Center Espoo is operated by the City of Espoo, the Uusimaa District of the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL), Luona Oy and Finnish Red Cross
The volunteers working at the centre are mainly provided by different organisations. If you want to join our voluntary activities, please sign up on the MLL website(external link).
Kaivo Espoo, Kala-Matti 3
The assistance point in Matinkylä provides food and hygiene products. The location includes a little café and offers a good place for networking and organising small-scale club and cultural activities. You can donate food and hygiene supplements.
Until the end of May, the Leppävaara Church collects items for Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country. Enter the church through the main doors and leave your donations in the designated trolleys. The items will be distributed to Ukrainians through the Vallila assistance centre in Helsinki. Please only bring the requested items.
Suomenoja Ukraine Aid, Merituuli shopping centre, Finnoonlaaksontie 9
Suomenoja Ukraine Aid provides material aid, such as clothes, household items, children’s supplies, food and hygiene products, for people who have fled the war in Ukraine. Further information: www.autammesua.fi(external link)
Money donations
We recommend that you donate money through established, experienced and reliable organisations. In addition to the Finnish Red Cross, these organisations include UNICEF, Finn Church Aid and Pelastakaa Lapset ry. Aid organisations know best what kind of aid is most needed in a specific area.