Long-term discussion support for young people, families and their loved ones
Talking with an outsider may provide relief. Youth Shelters offer discussion support free of charge both online and in person at the shelters.
Through discussion support at Youth Shelters, we support adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 29 in various life situations where they require outside support and help. We also offer help for family members and other loved ones of young people. You can seek help if you are a young person, a family member or other loved one of a young person, or a professional working with a young person.
The discussion support is provided by Youth Shelter workers who have experience in supporting adolescents, young adults and families.
The help offered by Youth Shelters is free of charge. We provide help at five Youth Shelters and through the Nettiturvis service. You can receive help in your first language, with the assistance of an interpreter if needed.
Discussion support may be necessary in situations such as the following:
- changes or crises such as moving, loss of a loved one or accidents
- difficult social situations such as arguments, bullying, loneliness or arguments in the family
- mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress or other difficult emotions
- pressures related to studying or work, unemployment or career changes
- various contemplations, crises and difficult situations related to parenting.
How does discussion support help?
Discussion support can help you learn to understand yourself and your situation and find ways to overcome a difficult situation. The aim of discussion support is:
- to make you feel better, ease strong emotions and increase your understanding of your own emotions
- to give courage and hope and restore your sense of security
- to facilitate communication and strengthen your connection with your family, friends or other loved ones and support networks
- to strengthen your ability to identify your strengths and skills as well as your ability to find solutions to difficult situations.
At the start of discussion support, we plan the best way to offer you help. Together, we monitor the implementation of the plan and update the plan when necessary if your situation should change. You can continue with discussion support until you feel better and you can cope with your daily life.
We also often work together with your family and other loved ones, because our experience has shown that the best solutions to issues are often found in cooperation.
How to get help
The shelters offering discussion support are located in five different municipalities: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Turku and Tampere. However, we also assist residents of other municipalities. We respond to contact requests every day, including in the evenings and at weekends.
In addition to Youth Shelters, Nettiturvis (site in Finnish) also offers discussion support online throughout Finland. Nettiturvis offers help every day, with appointments also available in the evenings and at weekends.
You can contact Youth Shelters by phone or via WhatsApp or e-mail. The contact information of the Youth Shelters is provided below. You can also make an appointment with Nettiturvis here.
When you first contact us, we will discuss how we can best help you. Contacting us does not bind you to anything.
In discussion support, you can meet with a worker in person at a Youth Shelter, remotely via Teams or talk with them on the phone. With Nettiturvis, you can meet with a worker via a video call or talk with them either via chat or with your camera turned off.