Loisto setlementti NGO

Loisto setlementti ry is a Finnish non-governmental organisation established in 1974 as Kalliolan Nuoret ry (Kalliola Youth Association). Loisto settlement is a member of the International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers (IFS) is a global movement of more than 11000 member associations that include multi-purpose, community-based organizations across the world. We believe in empowering the people who work for social justice by connecting, inspiring and supporting an inclusive global community.

Loisto setlementti is a Finnish forerunner in youth work and has a long history of working with a gender sensitive and a culturally sensitive approach. The organisation has no religious nor political affiliation but remains an active participant in societal discourse around youth wellbeing and gender equality.
Loisto’s guiding values are equality and diversity, community, and trust in every individual’s unique potential. Our priciples lies on the value of a deep and meaningful, respectful encoutering; Our slogan is: “One encounter changes the world”

Loisto setlementti consists of ca 50 employees and different units such as:
– Poikien Talo (Boys’ House) in Helsinki and Vantaa (www.poikientalo.fi)
– Tyttöjen talo (Girls’ House) in Helsinki and Espoo (www.tyttojentalo.fi and www.espoontyttojentalo.fi)
– Unit for honour related issues and conflicts (www.soputila.fi)
– Supported housing for youth (SaTu)
– Support for young parents (www.silmutoiminta.fi).
- Unit to support for victims of sexual violence
- Unit for sexual education
– Sua varten somessa (“For you in social media”), a digital service that serves children and youth all around Finland. Sua varten somessa tackles online harassment and bullying on social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram with its pioneer approach to digital youth work (www.suavartensomessa.fi)

Loisto setlementti also runs various development projects. Loisto’s guiding values are equality and diversity, community, and trust in every individual’s unique potential. Loisto setlementti’s core mission is to work with youth in vulnerable positions to increase their wellbeing, prevent marginalisation and support their mental health.

In 2022, there were 39 527 visits in Loisto’s activities, reaching 3465 young people in individual support sessions or group activities. Loisto setlementti also provides trainings and workshops for youth workers and other professionals working with children and young people. In 2022, Loisto setlementti’s staff enabled 65 workshops, providing information and capacity building for 4973 professionals.

Loisto setlementti’s funding comes largely from STEA (Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health organisations, operating in connection with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Health, which funds Finnish social and healthcare organizations) and the city of Helsinki and Western Uusimaa Welfare county.