Many summer activities remain out of reach for low-income families. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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Summer holidays are bringing increased hardship for low-income families in Finland, as some parents struggle to cover basic needs, including food, let alone provide holiday activities for their children.
“The summer holidays further highlight the differences between families, when it is impossible to arrange trips or amusement park visits if there is even a shortage of food,” said Anna Puusniekka, parenting support expert at the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL).
According to Aino Sarkia, senior advisor on family poverty at Save the Children Finland, the impact of recent cuts to social security is evident. “These cuts have made it difficult to manage daily life for many families,” she told the Finnish News Agency STT.
Both organisations report a sharp increase in requests for assistance during the school break. Save the Children receives year-round enquiries about food aid, but concerns over meals and meaningful activities intensify during the summer months.
MLL also receives direct appeals from parents needing support to buy items like bicycles or fund hobbies. Some families contact the organisation to say they only have food for a few days.
Puusniekka said changes to housing benefit eligibility have played a clear role in worsening families’ financial situations.
The challenges extend beyond material needs. Parents often feel overwhelmed trying to manage work and childcare during school holidays. In some cases, they also report feelings of guilt for not being able to offer their children the kind of summer experiences shared by more affluent peers.
Sarkia said expectations are often shaped by social media and peer discussions. “Children hear about summer plans from friends or see posts online, which can make them feel excluded when their own circumstances don’t allow the same.”
Many children remain at home through most of the holiday period, which can lead to isolation and feelings of exclusion.
Some relief is available through free activities offered by municipalities, parishes and sports clubs. Save the Children organises summer events, and MLL provides counselling and support. Cities including Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere and Oulu offer hot park lunches to children to address food insecurity.
This year, Espoo resumed its park lunch programme for the first time since 2009, offering free meals to under-16s at five locations throughout July.
Schools are set to reopen on 6 or 7 August in most areas.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
