How can I help in a crisis?

Local communities are helpful when everything does not work in the usual way.

However, interpersonal interactions and participation should be built in normal times. You can prepare for extraordinary situations by discussing the needs for help and support together with others in your work or residential community or other community that is important to you.

When you want to promote the common good, you can become a volunteer. Volunteering allows you to help others and participate in tasks that support society.

All kinds of communal activities are meaningful, as they improve the wellbeing of people and society.

Volunteering enables you to

• find a way to participate that suits you
• direct your willingness to help in activities that support society and help those in need of support
• learn and strengthen your competence in preparedness and helping others
• participate in tasks that support the authorities
• share your competence by training others.

The organisation managing the activities trains volunteers for their tasks.

The activities do not have to be directly related to preparedness or assistance. In extraordinary situations, spending time in the company of people sharing the same interests may offer a sense of security, positive things to think about not related to the situation and relief for concerns.

Several parties offer training that allows you to learn a wide range of useful civic skills.

The National Defence Training Association of Finland MPK provides versatile training on preparedness and safety skills open to everyone as well as training that serves military capabilities. Se MPK’s training calendar in Finnish for all the training.

Regional rescue associations also offer training. For the websites of the rescue associations, see the Finnish National Rescue Association’s website in Finnish and SwedishOpens in a new window..

Other training providers:

• Training and events (in Finnish and Swedish )- Finnish National Rescue Association Opens in a new window.
• Preparedness and safety training (in Finnish) - Naisten valmiusliittoOpens in a new window.
• Call for instructors in the 72 hours preparedness training - Finnish National Rescue AssociationOpens in a new window.
• General safety training (in Finnish) - Finnish National Rescue AssociationOpens in a new window.
• Housing safety training (in Finnish) - Helsingin PelastusliittoOpens in a new window.
• First aid courses - Finnish Red CrossOpens in a new window.
• Citizens’ cyber security (in Finnish) - University of JyväskyläOpens in a new window.
• Online safety training - eOppivaOpens in a new window.
• Online training on societal issues - eOppivaOpens in a new window.
• Search for courses at adult education centresOpens in a new window.
• Training in folk high schoolsOpens in a new window.

Incidents can put a particular strain on people who are vulnerable due to different issues.

Children and young people still lack trust in overcoming difficulties which is built on life experience. People with disabilities and older people may need help in processing the matter and coping with the situation.

It is important to process what has happened and make sure no one is left alone when the situation raises questions and can stir difficult experiences and emotions.

The presence of loved ones, supportive discussions or peer support may help. These allow turning your attention from the stressful situation, and sharing experiences with people encountering the same things can alleviate loneliness, for example.

When it is difficult for a person to get information or understand or process the situation due to some limitations, discussing it provides a good way to convey information, alleviate concerns and support putting experiences into words. If necessary, you can use image cards to support the discussion. Sometimes it is easier to express feelings by doing than by talking. This may include drawing, painting, writing, playing music or engaging in physical activity.

Information and support for dealing with crises are provided by organisations and healthcare, for example.