Youth facilities have almost returned to normal since 1 October – new facilities opened during COVID-19
Youth facilities The City of Helsinki will continue to operate almost normally when the meeting restrictions are lifted on 30 September 2021. During the COVID-19 period, new youth centers have been opened in different parts of Helsinki.
The new recreational and gathering opportunities offer young people a wider and more varied group and recreational activity after the long COVID-19 restriction. The activities promote the well-being, community and social participation of young people.
Five new youth soldiers have been opened in Helsinki in the last six months. In total, there are now more than 60 youth soldiers in Helsinki, including new facilities. The new youth facilities are Hertsi Youth Club, Jakomäki Youth Center, Oodi Youth Club, Malminkartano Youth Center and Malminkartano Recreation Hall. The facilities provide young people with a safe space for hobbies, hanging out and speaking in the activities of the youth center. Youth services plan activities and planning spaces by listening to the needs and wishes of young people.
Young people have been involved in planning the program for the new youth facilities. For example, the Jakomäki Youth Center has a Sports Club, a music studio and a nice place to relax after school. Located in the Hertsi Shopping Center, Herttoniemi Youth Club offers impressive studios and a hall that is especially suitable for dance and theater activities. Malminkartano Youth Center is a game-centric and easy-to-use youth space for 9-18 year olds, offering a wide range of digital, sports and traditional game equipment. The Malminkartano recreation hall, on the other hand, is a space for hobbies, the aim of which is to promote a diverse recreation culture. The Oodi Youth Club is a space for everyone under the age of 29, where you can hang out, do homework or participate in groups suggested by young people.
“The COVID-19 era has particularly affected young people, which is why we want to do everything we can to ensure that every young person can play again and not be left alone. Towards the end of the year, there will be more activities in youth centers Mikko Vatka, Director of Youth Affairs, City of Helsinki.
Restrictions will be removed – subject to certain conditions and recommendations
The Metropolitan Coronavir Coordination Group decided that the remaining municipalities’ own restrictions on sports and recreational activities will be removed as of October 1, 2021. There is no limit to the number of clients in open areas, but it is recommended, among other things, to avoid unnecessary physical contact and to follow general guidelines for hand, breathing and cough hygiene. Each youth farm has its own health security plan that is kept in visible spaces. The hygiene requirements are valid without separate official decisions in different parts of Finland until the end of 2021. In addition, people 12 years of age and older are advised to wear a face mask indoors if health reasons do not preclude its use. However, you do not need to wear a mask during sports activities.
Source: City of Helsinki, Department of Culture and Leisure