The Finnish Red Cross offers support for those shocked by the Viertola school shooting

The Finnish Red Cross has been alerted to support the authorities due to the shooting at Viertola school in Vantaa on Tuesday 2 April 2024.

The Finnish Red Cross preparedness group of psychologists is organising support activities at Viertola school in Vantaa for the families and the children who were present during the shooting incident.

Starting from Tuesday, trained Red Cross volunteers have also been offering psychosocial support for other children, young people and adults shocked by the school shooting.

 “Since last night, our volunteers have been supporting the people who have gathered in front of Viertola school, and they have also been present as adults who listen at the Tikkurila youth centre and nearby libraries, among other places. This morning our volunteers were there to meet the pupils coming to the school,” says Niina Hirvonen, Disaster Management Coordinator of the Finnish Red Cross.

The Red Cross is currently mapping the potential need for further assistance. The support provided by the psychosocial support volunteers on duty will continue as long as it is needed.

 “We are monitoring the situation, and we are ready to respond to new requests for support from the authorities and help as needed,” Hirvonen says.

Red Cross emergency crisis help is available for young people and their loved ones

The shooting at Viertola school in Vantaa may still cause shock and fear in children, young people and their loved ones. Content on social media may also increase anxiety.

Red Cross Youth Shelters offer emergency crisis help for young people and their loved ones over the telephone, online and face to face at the shelters. National online counselling and help are available to young people and their loved ones at Nettiturvis, bit.ly/nettiturvis

Young people aged 12–29 can also reach out for help anonymously through the Sekasin chat coordinated by the Sekasin Kollektiivi at www.sekasin.fi.

Further information on the support by the Youth Shelters and instructions for psychosocial support is available here.