MLL’s Activities for Families
MLL welcomes you and your family to join our activities!
The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare is an organization that helps and supports families in various situations. We offer enjoyable activities for you and your child, as well as opportunities to connect with other families. You can receive support from other parents and one-on-one discussions, both in person and online.
We have gathered information about our activities for families, along with links to other relevant services.
Feel free to reach out – you are not alone!
Mannerheim League for Child Welfare
The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL) is a politically and religiously independent non-profit organization that all families are warmly welcome to join. Its goal is to create a child-friendly Finland, where every child and young person has the opportunity for a good and safe life. Our activities have a tradition spanning over 100 years, and MLL has played a key role in developing maternity and child health clinics as well as the maternity package.
We offer children, parents, and families plenty of opportunities for connection, support, and peer activities—both locally and online. Explore our activities and find a way to participate that suits your life situation. Get in touch if you’re looking for fun things to do with your child, need peer support, or want to talk one-on-one with someone who you can trust.
Baby Meetups and Family Cafés
We have several different groups where you can meet other parents and where your child can find playmates. Participation is free, and there is no need to register in advance. Examples of groups:
- Baby Café and Baby Meetups: In these groups, you can connect with other parents of babies. You can also take part in discussions led by experts.
- Family Café: Here you can meet other parents with children. You can take part in various activities suitable for families together with your children, such as crafts and music sessions.
There are groups in many areas of Southwest Finland. You can also join the Baby Meetups online.
Local activities
MLL’s local associations operate in every municipality of Southwest Finland. They organize a wide range of activities for children, youth, and families. Activities include events, trips, sports sessions, as well as youth, environmental, and multicultural activities.
Many local associations also run family cafés, which are open meeting places for families with children.
Youth Activities
Our local associations support the well-being of young people in many ways. They organize clubs, events and sports activities.
Almost every middle school in Southwest Finland has a peer support program. Peer supporters are regular students from grades 7-9, who volunteer to help others and create a positive school atmosphere. They guide new students and ensure that no one feels left out at school. We provide training for both peer supporters and their coordinators, as well as materials to support their activities.
MLL also runs Nuortennetti, a website for young people, offering information on topics such as bullying, puberty, sexuality, substance use, relationships and media skills. Nuortennetti also provides a youth helpline and chat, where young people can reach out for free and confidential support.
Family Mentor
We have trained volunteer support persons called family mentors to support families with children under the age of seven. A family mentor is there to listen and talk with you. Together, you can go for a stroller walk, visit a family café, go to a playground, or do grocery shopping. You can also meet at your home and do everyday activities together. A family mentor is not a babysitter or a household helper.
A family mentor usually meets with you and your family once a week or every other week for a few hours at a time. A family mentor can provide support if:
- Your support network is not sufficient
- You have moved to a new city or area
- You feel lonely or exhausted
- ou need encouragement in your parenting
- You want to talk about family life and parenting
A Finnish-speaking Friend for Mothers who have moved to Finland
Would you like to become friends with a local Finnish-speaking woman? Are you looking for a friend who can offer advice on both small and big matters in everyday life?
Together you can practice Finnish, learn about each other’s cultures, go shopping, take walks, or visit the park – just the two of you or with your children. Through shared events and outings, you will also get to know other women participating in the Friendship Program.
Buddy Program
Is your child (aged 6-17) feeling lonely? Is everyday life challenging for them? Through our Buddy Program, your child can be matched with an adult friend. This trained and trustworthy adult friend provides support and companionship, offering a safe space for your child to share both small joys and difficult feelings.
Your child and their adult friend typically spend a few hours together twice a month.
Online communities and Services
Turun Seudun Mamit
Turun Seudun Mamit is a digital meeting place and peer support group for mothers on Facebook. It is a space for everyday conversations, problem-solving and making friends.
Turun Seudun Isit
Turun Seudun Isit is a digital meeting place and peer support group for fathers on Facebook. It is a relaxed space for discussions, shared problem-solving and new connections.
Vanhempainnetti & Vanhempainpuhelin
Vanhempainnetti provides information and support for everyday family life.
Vanhempainpuhelin Parent Helpline) offers a space to talk about any parenting-related issue. You can speak with a trained volunteer, who is also a parent. You can contact the helpline anonymously by phone, chat, or an online letter. All conversations are confidential. Calls are free of charge.
Volunteer work
At MLL, we engage in volunteer work to support a happy childhood, a safe youth, and the well-being of families with children. We offer a variety of opportunities for volunteering, and everyone interested in the well-being of children, youth, and families is welcome to join. We provide comprehensive training for all volunteer roles.
As a volunteer, you can:
- Be a friend to a child or young person
- Support a family as a family mentor
- Be a friend to a mother who has moved to Finland
- Organize activities in a local association
- Lead a family café
- Help as a pop-up volunteer at a family café or event
- Volunteer as a MLL-grandma or -grandpa
- Join as a volunteer Neighbour
Luottoa arkeen – support for everyday life
Is your family facing financial challenges? Do you need parenting support while managing other concerns?
Our Luottoa arkeen program is designed for parents of children under the age of 18. We offer service guidance, peer support, events, and other forms of assistance to help you navigate difficult situations.
Naapuri-toiminta
We support the integration of immigrant families with children through our Naapuri-program, which strengthens a sense of belonging and community.
We invite all families to join local family cafés and events, where they can meet other families in the area. We offer a safe community where everyone can contribute in various ways, according to their own resources.
Lastensuojelu.info
The lastensuojelu.info website provides basic information on services for families with children in Finland in several languages. The website is aimed specifically at immigrant parents and professionals who work with them.
Society supports families in many ways, and help and support is available for a variety of situations in life. Help and advice can be sought from municipal services for children and families, non-governmental organisations as well as parishes and other religious organisations.