Terja and Siiri met through Helsinki’s support person activities. While their official support relationship will eventually end, their friendship is something that will endure.
Six years ago, Siiri had concerns: what if she and the support person assigned to her through Helsinki’s support person activities didn’t connect? Those worries quickly proved to be unfounded. Terja turned out to be an adult who shares her interests and is easy to talk to about anything.
Over the years, Siiri and Terja have met regularly, usually once a month, to enjoy some shared activity. When they’ve wanted to do something special, they’ve visited museums, gone to the cinema, attended fairs, or even taken day cruises.
Terja has become someone I can talk to openly about anything.
But most often, they simply enjoy a meal together and chat about everyday life. For both, the most important part of their meetings is the connection they share.
“Terja has become someone I can talk to openly about anything. She’s a great listener and truly present in the moment,” says Siiri.
Both Terja and Siiri believe that the support relationship takes on a unique form, shaped by the personalities and interests of those involved. Activities can be tailored to their shared passions.
“These are feel-good meetings,” says Terja.
Terja first learned about support person activities through her work. After giving it some thought, she decided the time was right and became involved in the programme.
“I knew how much of a difference a support relationship can make in a child or young person’s life. I also felt that I had something to offer.”
These are feel-good meetings.
For Terja, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been watching Siiri grow into a confident adult. She feels proud to have supported Siiri through relationship challenges, academic goals, and career ambitions. The trust between them has built up over time.
“This is a reciprocal relationship where you have to be willing to give of yourself to receive something in return,” says Terja.
Helsinki’s support person activities welcome volunteers from all walks of life, and the aim is to match each child or young person with the right person. The most important qualities in a volunteer are a genuine interest in children and young people, a willingness to invest time, and the ability to commit for several years.
“We seek out reliable and balanced adults who are truly interested in the child’s or young person’s experiences and are eager to be there for them,” says Mari Mehtonen, a social counsellor for support person activities.
The aim is to match each child or young person with the right person
Support persons often walk alongside children through years of growth, witnessing their journey from childhood to young adulthood. In turn, the child gains an adult outside their family with whom they can share their life.
The length of the support relationship is determined by the child or young person’s needs and wishes. Mehtonen has seen many of these relationships develop into lifelong friendships.
“For many, the support relationship becomes a deeply meaningful bond, with many pairs staying in touch even after it officially ends.”
The process of becoming a support person begins with an interview, where you’ll get more information about the role. Attending the interview is non-binding. It can be done either in person at the Hakaniemi office or remotely.
“You should come to the interview with an open mind because the decision to become a support person is only made afterwards. Just send us an email expressing your interest, and we’ll set up an interview time,” says Mari Mehtonen.
We seek out reliable and balanced adults who are truly interested in the child’s or young person’s experiences
Those selected as support persons attend a training course that provides a thorough introduction to the role. The course is offered in a hybrid format, combining both online and in-person sessions. It’s held three to four times a year.
“We provide strong professional support throughout the relationship, so no one has to face challenges alone,” says Mehtonen.
In support person activities, a lot of attention goes into matching the right person with each child or young person.
“I have to say, they did an excellent job matching us,” says Terja.
Siiri is grateful she overcame her initial doubts and joined the programme. She encourages other children and young people to seize the opportunity to enter a support relationship.
“There’s nothing to lose. At best, it can develop into a meaningful and fulfilling relationship,” says Siiri.
Terja dares to be herself, and I feel like that’s made me more confident too.
Every support relationship eventually comes to an end, and the same will happen for Terja and Siiri when the time comes to officially conclude their relationship.
“Luckily, that won’t affect our meetings,” says Terja.
“Our friendship continues, no matter what,” says Siiri.
Would you like to become a support person? Contact tukihenkilotoiminta(a)hel.fi to book an interview.
Text: Jenna Honkanen
