{"id":18769,"date":"2022-05-20T10:59:25","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T07:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helsinkimissio.fi\/nuorille\/tukihenkilo\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T10:28:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T08:28:27","slug":"support-person","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.helsinkimissio.fi\/en\/for-young-people\/support-person\/","title":{"rendered":"Companion volunteer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A Companion <\/p>
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Volunteer <\/p>
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in Need <\/p>
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Do you need support in your life? Do you want to talk about important matters to you with a trustworthy adult?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a companion volunteer from HelsinkiMissio you can spend time twice a month to share things important to you or to do something nice together. The Companion is one of our reliable volunteers whom you can spend time with either face-to-face or remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n

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We respect your wishes when choosing your Companion Volunteer<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All our companions are volunteers trained by HelsinkiMissio. Each one is at least 20 years of age and is well-balanced in their own life. They are there for you, but they are not therapists and cannot replace professional help. A companion has an obligation of confidentiality, but in a situation affecting life or health, they are obliged to notify relevant authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will take your wishes into account, when choosing a companion volunteer. You can make requests about their hobbies, gender, or age. However, a Companion is always at least five years older than you are and is trained by HelsinkiMissio for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to companionship, a Companion can help you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • to find a hobby<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • to practice getting around on your own<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • in matters concerning independence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • regarding your studies and\/or your work<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • to get a grasp on dating, friendships, and family relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • in thinking about sexuality and gender identity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • with integration and practising your Finnish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Remote Befriending Online<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Once a week for six months you can keep in touch with a Remote Companion Volunteer, by computer or by telephone, to talk about what matters to you. A HelsinkiMissio Companion is a volunteer, someone who is older than you are and with whom you can talk about anything. You can apply for a Remote Companion regardless of where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/main>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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    \n \"Sateenkaarilippu \"Sateenkaarilippu\n <\/div>\n
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    Rainbow Companion Volunteer to share your thoughts<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Would you like to discuss sexuality or gender identity with a safe adult? Do you need a Companion Volunteer in your life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our Companion Volunteers have themselves experience and understanding of matters regarding gender experience. We respect what people need in their Companion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can have a Rainbow Companion either by remote connection or, if you live in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, you can meet face-to-face. When you apply for a Companion Volunteer, please let us know if you want to have a Rainbow Companion.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/main>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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    Apply for a Companion Volunteer or a Remote Companion Volunteer<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You can request a Companion if you are between 12\u201329 years old and you live in the greater Helsinki area. If you are between 18\u201329 you can request a Remote Companion wherever you live in Finland. But if you are a minor, we ask a parent or guardian to approve the application for a Companion Volunteer. Other than that, the supportive relationship is completely confidential between a young person and their Companion Volunteer. The Companion will not share a young person\u2019s thoughts or conversations with their parents or guardian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you have recently worked with a professional helper, such as a youth counsellor, a school custodian or health nurse, or a social worker, first discuss the matter with them. They will ask us for an application form to fill in by e-mail: kaveritoiminta@helsinkimissio.fi<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are temporarily processing new client applications with a delay.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are over 18 years old and you don’t work with professional helper, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Book a telephone appointment in the calendar below<\/strong> so we can map your wishes and needs together. Choose Support Person for Youth<\/strong> in the drop-down menu and fill in your contact details. Use only your first name to book your appointment. You will receive a confirmation message once you have successfully booked your appointment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Be patient<\/strong>. You may have to wait a couple of weeks or even a few months until the right Companion Volunteer is available for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. When a HelsinkiMissio employee has found a suitable Companion Volunteer for you, they set up a start meeting<\/strong>. At the first meeting, the two of you introduce yourselves and you can express your wishes for the support relationship.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

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