Gettogym prevents and reduces violent behaviour and gang involvement based on criminal activity among young people aged 13 to 29 through youth work methods. Photo: Jani Laukkanen
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A sharp rise in youth violence in Vantaa has prompted renewed attention on community-based interventions. One such initiative, Gettogym, is drawing attention for its impact in keeping young people off the streets and away from crime.
Located in the Myyrmäki district, Gettogym is a free local gym offering more than just combat sports training.
It serves as a hub for youth aged 13 to 29, combining physical activity with professional support to reduce violent behaviour and prevent gang affiliation. The project is run by Charlotte Pettersson, project lead and coach at HelsinkiMissio, in cooperation with the City of Vantaa.
“If we don’t build safe communities, young people will find dangerous ones in the streets,” Pettersson said. “We never give up on anyone. Gettogym is a place where someone believes in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.”
According to data from the National Police Board, young people remain increasingly present in violent crime statistics. In 2024, minors accounted for about 30 percent of suspects in violent incidents.
Gettogym addresses this through structured, trust-based engagement. The gym’s trainers include professionals skilled in youth work and violence prevention. The methods are grounded in HelsinkiMissio’s evidence-based Aggredi approach, which has shown success in reducing violent tendencies.
Since opening just over a year ago, the gym has seen nearly 600 visitors. This year, 400 young people have already participated, and one-third now attend regularly.
“We’re already seeing space constraints because of demand,” said Pettersson.
Activities at the gym blend physical training with informal discussions, cooking, shared meals, and individual guidance. Participants are not only taught to manage aggression constructively but also to connect socially in a supportive environment. Staff include trained professionals, peer mentors, and volunteers.
“Here, I’m treated like family,” one regular visitor said. “I can be myself. If I weren’t at Gettogym, I’d probably be out on the streets or caught up in crime.”
The latest Youth Barometer shows just 61 percent of young people feel optimistic about their future, down from 83 percent in 2016. Nearly half of those aged 15 to 24 report feeling lonely at least a few times a month. Gettogym offers these youth a way back into connection, education, and personal growth.
The campaign supporting Gettogym, titled “No one left alone,” highlights the responsibility of communities in combating isolation. HelsinkiMissio emphasises that social inclusion is key to reducing loneliness and its consequences, including violence and radicalisation.
Donor support has been critical in keeping Gettogym running. HelsinkiMissio is seeking further funding to expand opening hours, staff numbers, and eventually replicate the model elsewhere in Finland. Donations can be made through the organisation’s official website.
Gettogym operates without referral and is open to any youth needing support. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Urlus Foundation.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
