2 minute read
Wellbeing is the sum of many parts
from Vårt Borgå 1/2025
by porvoo-borga
THE PROMOTION OF wellbeing and health in the City of Porvoo is strongly based on basic services and the ability to identify wellbeing gaps early. The city develops and targets actions in areas such as mobility, inclusion, mental health and employment. Partnerships with organisations, communities and companies complement the city's services.
According to Wellbeing Coordinator Petra Bärlund-Hämäläinen, the activities are based on identified needs.
"For example, concerns about the use of intoxicants by young people led to the systematic addition of substance abuse prevention education to schools in cooperation with organisations."
At the same time, the ageing population is being served by providing more daytime activities, courses and accessible outdoor areas.
Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to participate in wellbeing services. "We wanted to lower the threshold for participation. To do this, we created the “Loan an experience with a library card” model, enabling free access to certain cultural sites and sport events," Bärlund-Hämäläinen says.
Pieces of a Puzzle
Physical inactivity is a national challenge, and Porvoo’s solution is to offer hundreds of free sports facilities, playgrounds and guided sports activities for different ages. Exercise counselling is especially helpful for those who move too little for their health.
For seniors, the city invests in exercise, but also brain health and community spirit. The Adult Education Centre offers over 170 courses focusing on wellness and mobility, and there are several active pensioner associations in the city. The city is building new accessible outdoor areas, such as the bird-watching spot in Ruskis, to support outdoor activities.
The wellbeing puzzle pieces also include functional public transport, proximity to nature, safe housing and accessible services. Finally, the Wellbeing Coordinator reminds us:
"Each of us also has our own responsibility for our own wellbeing and health – all you need to do is take the first steps."
