May Day brings young people together. Youth workers, police, and emergency services are involved in ensuring a safe evening for them. Photo: Aleksi Poutanen
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Helsinki will deploy 150 youth workers, volunteers and emergency service professionals on May Day Eve to support young people during the spring festivities.
The outreach effort, organised by the city’s youth services department, begins at 5 p.m. on 30 April and will continue into the night in response to activity on the streets. Teams will patrol key areas across central Helsinki, including Kaivopuisto, schoolyards and beaches where young people are known to gather.
Youth workers will provide help through conversations, first aid and direct assistance. The initiative also involves the Helsinki and Uusimaa Red Cross, the Church’s Saapas outreach programme, Aseman Lapset, police and paramedics.
The goal is to offer a safe presence and ensure that minors out celebrating are supported if needed.
Kaisa Kivelä and Rufus Wahen of the city’s youth services said the joint operation helps professionals form a real-time overview of where support is needed most.
“A wide network of cooperation gives us a good picture of what’s happening, where young people are, and where we can help them,” Wahen said.
Kivelä encouraged parents to talk with their children in advance about their plans for the night.
“Ask them where they’ll be, who they’ll be with, and what they plan to do. Even if you think it’s obvious, say it clearly – that they can always call and ask for help,” she said.
Wahen added a direct message to young people.
“Have a joyful May Day, and take care of yourself and your friends,” he said.
Organisers are also asking parents to answer calls from unknown numbers during the night. Police or medical staff may need to reach parents in case of emergencies.
May Day Eve, or Vappuaatto, is a traditional carnival-like celebration in Finland, particularly among students. In Helsinki, festivities begin with the capping of the Havis Amanda statue by students, drawing large crowds to the city centre.
Helsinki’s youth outreach operation dates back to the early 1980s. It now takes place on three key dates each year: May Day Eve, school graduation day (31 May), and New Year’s Eve.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
