For people working in the public sector and the third sector the Centre for Multicultural Expertise provides training in the form of lectures and presentations at different events. In addition we provide consultation both by phone and by email. We also have cooperation with other professionals on issues regarding clients.

Consultation and Advices on the phone:

We provide an opportunity for consultation by phone to professionals in the field of social, health and education sectors during business hours. Our special areas of expertise are psychosocial issues of immigration, especially childrearing and family life, and our familiarity with the Kurdish (Sorani), Dari, Persian (Farsi), Russian and Somali speaking population.

At the Centre for Multicultural Expertise you have the support of our multicultural and multiprofessional team. For a consultation, please call (for no extra charge):

Discussion Groups for Parents (Peer Groups for Parents):

The Centre for Multicultural Expertise has developed a group discussion model for multicultural parents of small children. The purpose of the groups is to support parenthood, create peer support and have fathers participate in childrearing. The languages that can be used in the groups are Finnish, Kurdish (Sorani), Dari, Persian (Farsi), Russian, French and Somalian.

Themes discussed in the groups include:

• the immigration experience and changing parenthood
• interacting with one’s child and bringing up children in Finland
• bilingualism and supporting the child’s schooling
• how fathers participate in family life
• changes in family relationships arising with immigration
• the local support networks in the neighbourhood
• Discussions are arranged together with immigrant associations, organizations and public authorities.

Please call to hear more. You may also make suggestions and give us ideas for themes: kotipu(at)vaestoliitto.fi or by phone (09) 2280 5141 or (09) 2280 5145

Services by phone and by e-mail:

You can call us, anonymously if you wish, when you want to talk and get help or advice on issues related to childrearing or relationships in the family. There is no extra charge for phone calls.

You may also contact us by email when you want advice or want to talk and get help about issues related to childrearing or relationships in the family. You may write in Finnish, Kurdish (Sorani), Dari, Persian (Farsi), Russian, Somali, French, English or Swedish and you will receive an answer within three days in that language.

kotipuu(at)vaestoliitto.fi