SAAPASService operation

Detached youth work since 1972

The Evangelical Lutheran Association for Youth in Finland

Liisankatu 27 A 500170 Helsinki, Finland

toimisto@nuortenkeskus.fi+358 9 6229 670

www.saapas.fi

Service operation

SaapasDetached youth work since 1972

• Service Operation Saapas is a project by the Evange-lical Lutheran Church of Finland and it consists of de-tached youth work, including spiritual care, primarily for under 18 -year-olds.

• Service Operation Saapas is divided between three models: StreetSaapas, FestivalSaapas and Internet-Saapas.

• Service Operation Saapas complies with the Finnish Child Welfare Act.

• Service is co-ordinated by the advisory board of Ope-ration Saapas for The Evangelical Lutheran Associa-tions for Youth in Finland (Nuorten Keskus ry).

STREET SAAPAS StreetSaapas is a model of low-threshold detached youth work practice, which takes place on young people’s own territory at weekends or during local events.

INTERNET SAAPAS InternetSaapas is a model of detached youth work in social media, which takes place via on-and-offline chat conversations.

FESTIVAL SAAPAS• FestivalSaapas is a model of detached youth work provided in cooperation with major festival organisers.• The focus is mainly on first aid.

SERVICE OPERATION SAAPAS OFFERS YOUNG PEOPLE• an adult who listens• first aid• guidance and counseling• appropriate help in a given situation

SERVICE OPERATION SAAPAS IS STAFFED BY• an employee, who is in charge• trained volunteers

THE AIM OF THE OPERATION IS • to increase the well-being of young people• to be present and available in places where young people spend their time• to support young people’s personal development towards adulthood

SERVICE OPERATION SAAOAS IS BASED ON • the need for urgent help in emergencies• the concrete and physical aspect of caring• adults taking responsibility for young people