Safety is created together – NGO workshop gathered insights for building a safer Hämeenlinna
A workshop titled “Hometown of Safety – how do we make it a reality together?” was held on 31 August for operators who organise volunteer activities. The event was attended by representatives from various NGOs, associations, and the parish.
The event examined everyone’s role in promoting comprehensive security, particularly in strengthening everyday safety and mental crisis resilience. The event was opened by Strategy Director Markku Rimpelä, who described the city’s strategy and the work being done to promote safety in Hämeenlinna. This was followed by presentations from non-fiction author and media and communications expert Lilly Korpiola and Lieutenant General (Ret.) Esa Pulkkinen. The speeches focused especially on mental crisis resilience and harnessing one’s own opportunities for influence to increase the sense of security.
In the workshop section, participants discussed their own roles regarding safety themes. The themes in the workshop were the focus areas of the Safety in Hämeenlinna programme (2026–2030): Everyday safety, mental crisis resilience, and safety as a source of vitality. In addition, concrete actions to promote safety were listed. Perspectives considered included how community spirit and trust can be strengthened, the importance of communication in different crises, how to reach different population groups, and what increases the agency of residents.
Community spirit creates safety
The workshop identified that mental crisis resilience arises above all from community spirit, trust, and inclusion. Working together, volunteering, preventing loneliness, and the opportunity to participate and be heard strengthen the ability of communities to cope even in times of disturbance and crisis. The key message of the workshop was that all cooperation is of great importance for the promotion of safety.
It is important to cooperate both between different NGOs and with city operators. The workshop highlighted the need to strengthen the activities of neighbourhoods, residents’ associations, village communities, and other local networks. Reaching vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, lonely individuals, people with memory disorders, and those needing special support, was seen as particularly important in both everyday life and exceptional circumstances.
Particularly from the perspective of preparedness, the development of multi-channel communication, supporting self-preparedness, and strengthening cooperation between the city, the wellbeing services county, NGOs, and other operators were highlighted.
The discussion held in the workshop created a good foundation for cooperation on safety work. To support joint development work, operators will continue to be brought together in the future, and new events will be organised to continue the discussion.