Wellbeing for families and young people
Separation in a family – early help and support for the situation
When a couple with children separates, it is a major life change that affects every member of the family. Separation can bring up many emotions and require adjustment both from parents and from children. Everyday arrangements, living arrangements and the practical aspects of parenting change, and from a child’s perspective, their sense of security and continuity may be challenged. However, separation does not mean wellbeing comes to an end. With the right kind of support, open communication and attention to the child’s needs, the family can build a new everyday life in which everyone has room to grow and feel well.
Omaperhe.fi provides information, support and guidance
Content on Omaperhe.fi can be translated into over 200 languages using Google Translate (cookies must be accepted first).
Omahelpperi – information for young people
Content on Omahelpperi.fi can be translated into over 200 languages using Google Translate (cookies must be accepted first).
Services and peer support from organisations
- Apuaeroon.fi(external link) is a nationwide portal that brings together support services for families going through separation. It offers:
- Chat support: anonymous chat support with professionals
- Peer-support cafés: meeting places for separated parents
- Support person service: one-to-one support
- Online course: "Vanhempana eron jälkeen" (“Parenting after separation”)
- The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters (Ensi- ja turvakotien liitto)(external link) provides free services for parents, children and young people, both online and in person. The services also involve trained peer supporters in chat.
- Miessakit ry – Erosta Elossa(external link) supports men in separation situations and provides nationwide advice and peer support.
- Mielenterveystalo.fi – Erokriisin omahoito-ohjelma(external link) self-help programme for coping with separation crisis offers a free, anonymous self-help programme for processing a separation crisis (Finnish/Swedish only).
Support from organisations for children and young people
- Apuaeroon(external link) | information and support for practical matters and recovering from separation
- Kasper Kasvatus- ja perheneuvonta ry (external link)(external link) | help for young people in separation situations
- Nettiturvis (external link)| Finnish Red Cross
- MIELI Mental Health Finland(external link)| support and help
- Apuu-chat (external link)| SOS Children’s Villages Finland
- Sekasin-chat(external link)
- Nuortennetti(external link)| Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL)
- Netari(external link)| Finland’s only online youth house!
- Lasten ja nuorten puhelin (in Finnish and Swedish)(external link) | Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL)
- Nuortenlinkki(external link)
- Tyttöjen talo (external link; in Finnish)(external link)| offers support and activities for girls and women
- Poikien Talo (external link; in Finnish)(external link)| "No need to come up with solutions all alone!"