New project supports informal caregivers with an immigrant background – Day respite service starts in Espoo

Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County has launched the Day Respite Service (päiväparkki) project to support informal caregivers with an immigrant background. The project has received funding until the end of 2026 and aims to develop supervised day sessions for children with disabilities from immigrant-background families, while offering their caregivers peer support and a chance to recharge.

Parenthood in immigrant-background families can be demanding for many reasons, and parental wellbeing is a key protective factor for the child. The new model supports caregivers and families by providing short periods of respite during which caregivers can join community activities.

The first Day Respite will take place on Saturday, 6 September 2025, from 10:00 to 14:00, at the Kuninkaantie Activity Centre in Espoo. Our goal is to enrol 10 informal caregivers with an immigrant background and 10 children in their care. To participate, you can sign up via the Disability Services email address.

The project is carried out in cooperation with municipalities, associations of informal caregivers, immigrant associations, and various service areas of the wellbeing services county. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) will monitor outcomes and impact through an evaluation study during the project period.

For more information about the Day Respite Service and signing up, see the earlier news item: Are you a mother and an informal caregiver with a migrant background?