Learning first aid skills and getting to know new people at the Helpers’ club
Helpers’ club is a group aimed at both Finns and young adults with an immigrant background, where they learn the Finnish language and first aid skills together.
Kimberly Andronova welcomes new people to Helpers' club
The Finnish Red Cross (SPR), which has been offering face-to-face befriending activities to the elderly for decades, now wants to focus its services even more strongly on young people and those of working age. Loneliness among young people and young adults has increased so much that it is already at an alarming level, says the February SPR loneliness barometer. Almost half of respondents aged 15–24 experience loneliness regularly.
Helpers’ club is a new form of activity aimed at young people. The purpose of the club is to prevent loneliness of young adults and to strengthen their social skills. Helpers’ club also helps young adults who have moved to the country to adapt to Finnish society and culture and to learn more Finnish. At the same time, we get to know new people.
We are looking for both volunteers and participants for Helpers’ club. One of the volunteers is Kimberly Andronova, who moved from Kyrgyzstan to Finland 10 months ago. Thanks to her mother, she has worked with orphaned children, special need children and senior citizens in her home country. Her mother founded a non-profit organization to help people in Kyrgyzstan.
- I have always been interested in humanitarian work and helping people. When I came to Finland, I tried to figure out how I could fulfill myself and give back to society. I always knew what the Red Cross does, so I immediately joined the Red Cross after coming to Finland, says Kimberly Andronova.
After the Red Cross summer camp, she attended a couple of hours of volunteer training. There, the principles of the Red Cross were presented to the participants, e.g. respecting everyone and creating a safe space for each participant.
Finally, I ask Kimberly if she could give some tips on how to make someone else feel safe.
- It's good to remember that each of us is different. Everyone has a different comfort zone and speaking style. It is best to approach the person with a positive attitude, with an open heart and carefully listen to what kind of person it is. More open-minded people can be encouraged to get to know other participants. If the person is a little more shy, you can start by talking to the person and asking about their life, so that they gradually open up.
In addition to making new friends, the goal of Helpers’ club is for the participants to complete the First Aid course. The club is free and aimed at 16-29 year olds. The activity is aimed at both Finns and immigrants. After the course, participants are guided to continue strengthening their first aid skills and language skills in Red Cross action groups.
Here you can get to know Helpers’ club:
Tikkurila
Thursdays at 6-8 PM
SPR Tikkurilan Kolo, Asematie 11 A, The basement floor at Tokmanni (K-floor), 01300 Vantaa
Korso
Wednesdays at 6-8 PM
Korson asukastila, Korsontie 2, 01450 Vantaa
Myyrmäki
Thursdays at 6-8 PM
Myyrmäki library, Paalutori 3, 10600 Vantaa
As an instructor for Auttajaklubi
Would you like to be an instructor at Helpers’ club?
Contact us:
Milla Ruuska
Planner of Solitude Work
tel. 040 675 1825