Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
'Hello Päijät-Häme' - Friendly Call Service in Finland
Summary
This project, financed through the Päijänne-Leader LAG and implemented by Päijänne Tavastia Association for the Development of Welfare Services, focuses on welfare and healthcare services targeting the elderly population living in rural areas.
Background
The Päijänne Tavastia Association for the Development of Welfare Services has been set up by private-sector and third-sector social welfare and health care organisations, to run an advisory centre called Palvelu Santra in Lahti. The concept of the project is based on the Irish ‘Friendly Call’ service, which operates in many parts of Ireland and involves a network of trained volunteers who make periodic telephone calls to old people at agreed times. This service was found to be extremely well suited for Finland’s sparsely-populated countryside.
Objective
The main objective of the project is to reduce the sensation of loneliness and isolation for old people living in rural areas. A secondary goal is to launch the service in the target area and to develop a model that can be mainstreamed across all rural areas as well as in cities.
Main activities
A network of trained volunteers was set up to provide friendly and confidential support to older people through regular phone calls. Promotional events were organised to inform residents about this new service. Once potential users were identified, the time and frequency of the calls were directly agreed with them. To facilitate the fruition of the service, mobile phones specifically designed for the elderly were distributed to users.
Results & Benefits
The service has been launched in five communes. Feedback from customers, social welfare and health care organisations has been extremely positive. More and more local authorities are joining the service, while the municipalities where the service is already operational are experiencing a steady increase of both volunteers and customers.The project has also contributed to developing a functional, coordinated volunteering model.
Project location and other information
Päijänne Tavastia.
Region
Päijät-Häme
RDP Territory
Mainland
Total project cost (€)
120 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
67 500
National contribution (€)
52 500
Project website
Contact name
Tiina Hast
Languages for contact
English, Finnish
At a glance
Country
Finland
Final beneficiary type
Other, Non-governmental organisations
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/01/2011
End Date:
31/12/2013
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Improving quality of life in rural areas
321. Basic services for the economy and rural population
Keywords:
Public awareness, Quality of life, Human capital, Social inclusion, Leader
Last update
19/06/2014