Friend Program
Have you recently moved to the Helsinki capital region from abroad? Would you like to make new friends or find people to spend your free time with? Our Friend Program is here to help you get started!
The Friend Program by International House Helsinki offers international newcomers an opportunity to start making friends who live in the Helsinki area. This pilot project is implemented by International House Helsinki in collaboration with three service providers.
You’ll have the chance to make friends in three different ways: one-on-one, in a small group, or by joining a larger community with group activities – the choice is yours!
The Friend Program activity options and how to join
There are three options of the Friend Program activities offered by different service providers:
- Meet one-on-one
- Connect with a small group
- Join activities with bigger groups
You can read more and sign up for the different activities below.
Meet one-on-one: SuomiKamu Friend Activities by Finnish Red Cross
Would you like a friend who can help you get to know your new home city, the language, and the culture? The Finnish Red Cross organises friendship activities through which people who have moved to Finland from abroad can be paired with a local friend. These friends are trained volunteers who provide support with everyday skills, and the friendship is based on volunteering, trust, and equal interaction.
What is it about?
You and your friend can do everyday things together, such as going for a walk, cooking, or exploring the local area. You can also take part in local events, discover services, try out hobbies, and enjoy the cultural offerings in the area.
Friends get to know each other through shared activities, and you also have the chance to practise the Finnish language.
Friends decide for themselves what they want to do together and how often they meet. However, we hope you can commit to the SuomiKamu Friend Activities for six months and meet with your friend at least once a month.
How to join
To participate, attend an information session where you’ll learn more about the activities. At the end of the session, you can fill in an application form if you wish to be matched with a friend. If you have moved to Finland from abroad, are an adult, and live in the Helsinki capital region, you can apply to join the SuomiKamu Friend Activities. The Red Cross experts will do their best to find a suitable friend for everyone, taking into account your preferences, location, and shared interests.
Read more about the SuomiKamu Friend Activities and sign up on Finnish Red Cross’s website
Connect with a small group: CIRKELN by Luckan Integration
Do you want to expand your social network and find people to do fun activities with? Then join CIRKELN!
What is it about?
CIRKELN is a social networking programme that is intended to encourage two way integration. Newcomers and Finns, or people who have found a home in the Finnish culture, get to meet and do activities together.
Participants are placed into a group of 4–6 like-minded individuals. Together as a group they can then decide what they’d like to do, where to meet and when.
The CIRKELN groups have enjoyed all sorts of activities from hiking in nature to exploring the capital, from watching films and music concerts to visiting museums, practising languages or chilling in a cafe and having a good chat. The options are endless!
All the groups will also be exclusively invited to a Cirkeln Mingle where they have the opportunity to meet participants from the other groups.
How to join
Sign up using the link below. Remember to describe your interests so the CIRKELN coordinator can match you into a suitable small group. CIRKELN is here to help you make that first connection.
Read more about CIRKELN and apply on Luckan’s website
Join activities with bigger groups: Helsinki Friends community
Helsinki Friends is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community in Helsinki. The aim is to connect individuals through shared experiences, support, and collaboration, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Helsinki Friends provides meaningful ways to meet new friends, learn new things, and give back to the community.
What is it about?
When you join the Helsinki Friends community, you can look forward to a variety of fun and engaging activities designed to help you connect with others and enjoy things the city has to offer. The community organises lively social events, cultural exchanges, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
The IHH Friend Program events are organised at Community house Hanna.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or just starting your journey in the Helsinki area, you’ll find a friendly place in the Helsinki Friends Community.
Helsinki Friends envisions a city where all residents feel valued and engaged, with strong community ties that enhance the quality of life for everyone. The goal is to empower individuals and groups to thrive together, celebrating the diversity and richness of the city.
How to join
You can find the activities on the Helsinki Friends’s website and sign up to the ones that you are interested in. You can take part in as many events as you like, but remember to sign up early, as the events may fill up quickly.
Read more about the Helsinki Friends community and sign up for the events
Contact
You can contact International House Helsinki by email: ihh@hel.fi