‘It saved my life’: The Vallila Help Centre in Helsinki

The Joint USPG/Diocese in Europe appeal for Ukraine raised over £400,000 this past year. As the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine approaches (Friday 24 February), this week we'll hear the stories of some of those at the projects which have benefitted from your generous donations.

The Vallila Help Centre in Helsinki offers three main areas of service: humanitarian aid (such as clothes, food, and hygiene items), emotional and psychological support, and support in the form of information and practical guidance relating to life in Finland. 

The building opened its doors in March of last year, providing a safe haven for refugees fleeing Ukraine. The centre not only provides shelter and safety but also a sense of community for displaced families. 

The Centre is operated by the Ukrainian Association in Finland and seeks to provide at least 140 families per week with food provision. 

This was only made possible by the joint efforts of the USPG and the Bishop’s Lent Appeal contributing towards the employment of a Humanitarian Aid coordinator, Eeva. 

Eeva has been able to support the help centre more effectively by securing donations and aid, and building close relationships with other organisations. She also works to support and coordinate the centre's many volunteers and visitors. 

Refugees tell heart-breaking and hard-to-listen-to stories at the help centre. But those stories help us understand the incredible resilience of so many people from Ukraine, the selflessness of those even in dire circumstances, and how much still needs to be done for those fleeing their homes due to war. 

You can watch Natalia’s story, a refugee and help centre volunteer, on the Diocese in Europe YouTube channel here or above.

If you feel able to donate to the Ukraine emergency appeal, visit www.uspg.org.uk/ukraine