How it all started
The idea was born from a need: There was no interesting and non-commercial place in Helsinki where young adults could meet each other and make friends. To reduce loneliness, an organisation called Kohtaus ry was founded in 2014 by Satu Lekola, Liina Kahelin and Aaro Horsma. The operations started with very modest small events carried out by volunteers in a small lounge space in Helsinki’s Vallila, on Eurantie.
Everything we did was focused on reducing the loneliness of young adults.
Kohtaus ry as an organisation
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Vision
The vision of Kohtaus ry is a society free of social barriers where everyone has the opportunity to act and meet others as they are, on an equal footing and without fear of discrimination and exclusion.
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Mission
Our mission is to dismantle structures, practices and culture that marginalise people and leave them to cope on their own. We increase social well-being and provide expertise for meaningful encounters.
Objectives
Increasing the social well-being of young adults.
Developing environments and practices that strengthen social well-being.
Promoting a positive culture of encounters and advocacy in Finland and/or internationally.
Values
Belonging
We ensure that everyone is acknowledged as part of the community.
Sensitivity
We enable safer spaces and culture.
Effectiveness
We act in a need- and goal-oriented manner to achieve positive change at the level of individuals, communities and society.
Kohtaus ry’s strategy 2022-2027
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Kohtaus ry’s annual report 2021
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Kohtaus ry board of directors:
Riikka Harju, Chairman
Aaro Horsma, Vice Chairman
Topi Jaakola, Member of the Board
Sami Kujala, Member of the Board
Aino Elina Muhonen, Member of the Board
Annakaisa Oksava, Member of the Board
In matters related to training and cooperation, please contact Executive Director Satu Lekola,
satu.lekola@kohtaus.info
KOHTAUS VALLILA:
Päijänteentie 2,
00550 Helsinki
KOHTAUS MALMI:
Torikatu 3 (3.krs),
00700 Helsinki
Y-tunnus: 2678841-4
You don’t have to be alone if you don’t want to.