Diakoniatalo Opens in Niittykumpu – A New Model of Local Collaboration

The joint Diaconal Services of the Espoo Parishes, together with local Espoo-based organisations, are launching Diakoniatalo Support Centre in Niittykumpu. 
 
“We want to support people rehabilitating from mental health issues and substance abuse as well as low-income families,” says Lilli Snellman, Diaconal Expert from the Espoo Parishes.  

Stronger Cooperation Between the Espoo Parishes and Local Organisations 

Diakoniatalo Support Centre is built on long-term cooperation between the Espoo Parishes and local food aid providers. The need to work together in the same facilities emerged as a result of coming together and brainstorming in 2024. The aim the Diakoniatalo Support Centre is a more efficient use of the facilities, resources and services, and to learn together while providing support services. These efforts are now supplemented with the know-how of the mental health and substance abuse aid organisations and by offering a variety of mentoring opportunities for different challenging life situations. 

“What’s key about this cooperation is that the Parish provides the facilities where the food aid organisations, the Espoo Mental Health Association, and the Parishes’ diaconal and family support workers create a meeting place for the community,” continues Snellman. 

The Support Centre has been modelled after the joint project by the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services and Laurea University of Applied Sciences at Kivenkolo Community Centre in Espoo. “From Kivenkolo to active life” – project has aimed at improving resident inclusion in Espoo. 

Waste food café and children’s supply store 

The Niittykumpu meeting place is somewhere you can come to just spend time or participate in the activities, depending on one’s personal interest. Customer wishes will gradually shape the activities. The aim is to create a warm community space that makes daily life easier – and ultimately improves well-being and inclusion.  

Diakoniatalo will include an open waste food café that is a place to spend time and meet people. And a children’s product shop for low-income families, as well as creative afternoons for wellbeing. There will also be guidance about the diaconal and mental health services, the early childhood education and family support services as well as guidance to support opportunities for those suffering of substance abuse. It will also include information on food aid in the area. 

“We will be opening a small store in the Niittykumpu Diakoniatalo, which will collect donated new goods: hygiene products, toys, arts and crafts tools and other things that families may use. You will be able to use the store with a diaconal worker's referral,” says Marianne Maxwell, director of Manna-Apu ry.   

“We hope to bring a little everyday joy to families,” continues Maxwell. 
 
Rising prices have hit families hard 

 Manna-Apu ry’s focus in 2025 is reducing poverty among families. 

 “Studies show that going through financial difficulties during childhood has significant long-term effects,” says Marianne Maxwell. 

“Poverty means that you are unable to be the kind of social actor that the society seems to demand. This has an impact on your quality of life,” says Maxwell. 

Activities begin on 12 September at 10 AM to 2 PM as a garden event in the courtyard of Olari Church and its club wing. 

The open waste food café and other activities will be held in the club wing on Fridays from 10 AM to 2 PM. The address is Rälssitilankuja 1. 

The actors and partners in this project are the joint diaconal work, early childhood education, and family support services of the Espoo Parishes; Kivenkolo Community Centre; the Espoo Mental Health Association; Hyvä Arki ry; Manna-Apu ry; and Raitin Pysäkki. 

Further information: 

Lilli Snellman, Diaconal Expert, Joint Diaconal Work of the Espoo Parishes, +358 40 531 1006, lilli.snellman@evl.fi 

Antti Malinen, Vicar, Olari Parish, +358 41 539 8778, antti.malinen@evl.fi