“When someone cares, something new begins to sprout in people.”

We support both new Finns as they integrate, and native Finns as they adjust to life in multicultural Finland. For people in difficult life situations we offer crisis support, substance abuse rehabilitation, debt counselling, mediating and victims support services. Based on local needs, we conduct operations jointly with volunteer workers and professionals, with and among people, in Finland and around the world.

The settlement movement and the Finnish Federation of Settlement Houses – Community, Inclusion, and Equality

Founded in 1918, the Finnish Federation of Settlement Houses (FFSH) is a life course organisation that consists of 31 settlements operating across Finland, each unique and reflecting its local community. Together, we form a strong and impactful movement aimed at promoting community, inclusion, and equality. The work of the Settlement Movement touches tens of thousands of people every year – children, young people, families, the elderly, and community members from diverse backgrounds.

Activities Across Finland

The Finnish Settlement Movement employs approximately 2,800 professionals and engages over 2,400 volunteers, who contribute valuable work for the benefit of their communities. Our activities are based on genuine encounters and mutual respect. Our work is diverse and responds to the needs of local communities. Our key areas of work include:

• Child and youth work
• Senior and elderly services
• Crisis and support services
• Liberal adult education: three folk high schools, 13 community colleges
• Housing services and community-based living: safe homes for different life situations
• Multicultural work and integration: support and inclusion for immigrants
• Volunteer and civic engagement: opportunities for participation and making a difference
• Culture and recreational activities

Values and Principles

The values of the Settlement Movement are rooted in community, equality, and human dignity. At the heart of our work is the belief that every person is valuable and has the right to inclusion and a meaningful life. We encourage everyone to participate and take control of their own lives and futures.

The Settlement Movement is committed to being:

• A defender of equality and justice
• A bridge-builder and promoter of community
• A multidisciplinary and forward-thinking actor

We work towards a Finland that is:

• Home to thriving communities
• Equal and just for all
• A place of well-being throughout life

The Finnish Settlement Movement is part of the international settlement movement, active in over 30 countries. Together, we strive to build a better and more humane society.

Boldly on the side of people for over 100 years.

The work of FFSH and its member organisations is made possible through service charges from the provision of wellbeing services, by support from STEA (Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations), earmarked subsidies from ministries and donations from private individuals. Our activities are non-profit.