Virkku In English

Nuorten Ystävät has been working with the most vulnerable, children, young people and families in need for over 117 years.
Our name is deeply connected to our history and translates “Friends of Young People” yet we provide services for all ages.

Our organisation carries out expert and advocacy work in its activities. The main task of the organisations work is to oversee the interests of people in need of support, act as an enabler of participation and provide social welfare services through the companies it owns.

A community with individual support from virtual clubhouse Virkku

Virkku (2024-2026) is an innovative project developing a virtual clubhouse designed to support community involvement and individual empowerment in Northern Finland. Funded by STEA (Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations), Virkku utilizes an accessible hybrid model combining online virtual spaces and face-to-face meetings, primarily targeting individuals living outside major urban centers in Northern Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, and Lapland regions.

For whom?

Virkku is designed for working-age adults (18 or older) who require additional support in managing everyday life, employment, or studies. All activities are free of charge and customized to each member’s individual goals, resources, and needs. Most of the activities happen online, but face to face meetings are also possible.

Virkku offers a community:

Versatile group activities: music, creative activities, exercise, well-being, gaming group.

Communal decision making: house meetings, development days.

Training and group activities related to job seeking and studying: job seeking groups, study retreats

Leisure activities: trips and events

Individual support

Guidance and support in everyday matters

Job coaching by means of supported employment: assessing one’s skills and strenghts, finding opportunities, support in all stages of employment, support in keeping a job, guidance with financial benefits, cooperation with employers

Study coaching: support in securing a study place, completing studies, cooperation with schools

Objectives

Develop a virtual clubhouse tailored specifically to member needs.
Reduce loneliness, promote inclusion, and enhance overall well-being.
Improve digital skills among members.
Support members in finding meaningful pathways toward employment and education based on their personal strengths and interests.

Project Outcomes and Evaluation

The effectiveness of Virkku will be regularly assessed through participant feedback, digital skills, wellbeing metrics, evaluations and surveys.

Feedback from these evaluations will directly inform ongoing project improvements, ensuring responsive and adaptive development.