Omaperhe.fi: Early Support for Families in Western Uusimaa

In August, the Omaperhe.fi(external link) website became available for residents, professionals and partners in the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County. Its introduction has been notably successful—this autumn alone, the site has recorded over 50,000 visits within the wellbeing services county.

Omaperhe.fi offers early-stage support and resources for families and those considering parenthood. It also provides contact channels to a wide range of services from the wellbeing services county, municipalities, and organizations. Visitors can explore more than 300 user-friendly articles covering various family situations, complete with practical guidance, videos, and links to relevant national e-services.

“Our region’s families can now easily find clear and accessible guidance to our social and healthcare services,” says Mari Ahlström, Service Area Director for Families, Children and Young People in the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County. “They can also discover support from municipalities, organizations, parishes, and national providers. Local services remain just as available as before—Omaperhe simply adds a new, complementary layer of support.”

Professionals throughout the wellbeing services county benefit from Omaperhe as well. Its centralized information makes it easier for them to help families, no matter where these families first seek assistance.

Public health nurse Inka Rekola, who works in maternity and child health clinics, can regularly observe the platform’s positive impact.

“Many clients browse Omaperhe before their appointments. They arrive better prepared, understand their checkups, and have found tips and solutions that meet their specific needs,” Rekola notes. Rekola frequently recommends Omaperhe.fi for those clients who haven’t yet explored it. “The articles are easy to read and inclusive, with consideration to diverse family structures.”

The site also realizes the vision of a “digital family center,” a concept introduced in a 2017 review under the national programme to address child and family services. The reform aimed to bring all services for children, youth, and families together on one digital platform. 

“It’s gratifying to see these digital family centres taking shape in eleven wellbeing services counties,” says Sanna Nieminen, Development Manager at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). “Omaperhe delivers what families have asked for. After years of interdisciplinary development, it’s a true success story of working together.”

Several wellbeing services counties have implemented Omaperhe through Finland’s Sustainable Growth Program, funded by the EU’s recovery instrument (Next Generation EU). This applies to the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County as well. According to Kirsi Paasovaara, Project Manager at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the funding has paid off. “We’ve enhanced the quality and availability of family services and made it possible for families to get help anytime, anywhere.”

“It’s cost-effective, not only for residents but also for professionals, who now save time and work more efficiently,” Palovaara notes.

Kaius Karlsson, Project Manager for Omaperhe’s implementation in Western Uusimaa, credits the platform’s popularity to staff involvement and effective communication.  “We welcomed feedback from staff before the launch and integrated their ideas,” he explains.