Today we started a new service in my city region Pitäjänmäki – Sockenbacka for the elderly and for families who need assistance. Our new village assistant will be available to help with chores both in homes and in gardens. This will bring much relief to many. We are not competing with the private sector but providing a social service in the neighbourhood.
This initiative by the regional residents’ association Pitäjänmäki-seura which I am president of is made possible by the Finnish government. To enable long-term unemployed to get back to work, organisations like mine can apply for support from the public employment authorities. If all conditions are met they will pay the full wages for up to one year, instead of paying unemployment insurance compensations. We handle all administration and booking ourselves, and can thus keep the hourly fees paid by customers very low.
So today, Akseli started his work with us. Next autumn he plans to pick up his university studies again. There are many elderly people living in our villages so I am sure that he will be busy.
To support both local employment and provide useful social services is an important function for our association.