In Finland, the spirit of community thrives through shared activities—whether it’s neighbors teaming up for spring cleaning or engaging in hobbies that act as social glue. Remarkably, nearly 90 percent of Finns have at least one hobby, a trend that includes almost every child under the age of ten. In this culture, participation is more than encouraged; it’s simply expected.
“I first started gymnastics when I was five,” recounts Meri-Tuuli Helin, a dedicated mother of two from Turku. “When I returned to it after 20 years, it was like stepping back into a familiar community. We share the same passion, the same interest.”
Belonging by Design
“You can give – and get – so much from someone who has lived a different life,” says Meri-Tuuli Helin, CEO of Gubbe.Photo: Gubbe
Helin has passed her enthusiasm for community connection on to her children, often shuttling them to various after-school activities through a chaotic blend of jackets, boots, and sports gear. But her efforts extend beyond the lives of her children; she’s passionate about maintaining connections as life’s circumstances evolve—especially when issues of mobility, health, or daily routines come into play.
As the CEO of Gubbe, Helin has found a way to bridge the generation gap through meaningful interactions between young people and their older relatives. Most of these visits are coordinated by students who engage in activities ranging from baking traditional Finnish buns to taking leisurely walks or simply having a chat. In these moments, it’s not about efficiency; it’s about the beauty of presence.
“It’s like having a personal trainer who helps you stay active and engaged with life right to the very end,” she explains.
This exchange benefits both sides: older adults find stability and companionship in daily life, while young people gain flexible work opportunities and often form unexpected friendships. “The most heartwarming part is bringing together two generations,” Helin observes. “You can give—and receive—so much from someone who has experienced a different life.”
For Helin, these small encounters are but stepping stones toward a larger vision. “My dream is to create living spaces where young people and older residents coexist, sharing daily life and enriching each other’s experiences,” she shares. “A true community built through shared activities.”
A Call for Connection
From silence to solidarity, Commu is making the act of asking for help a norm.Photo: Commu
This ethos of connection is also redefining everyday life in Finland, as digital platforms increasingly normalize the act of seeking help.
“With just a few clicks, similar to ordering takeout, you can find assistance,” explains Karoliina Kauhanen, one of the founders of Commu, an app designed to connect those in need with neighbors willing to lend a hand.
The demand is palpable. Since its launch in 2022, Commu has garnered over 100,000 users across the country.
“Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s one of the bravest things you can do when you’re in need,” Kauhanen states.
Often, individuals seek nothing more than a conversation. “Loneliness is one of the most pressing social issues of our time,” she adds. “It’s not something that can be solved solely with clinical interventions.”
From Silence to Solidarity
“If you don’t speak up, how can anyone help you?” asks Karoliina Kauhanen, co-founder of Commu.Photo: Commu
The Commu app serves as a lifeline for individuals in various circumstances—whether they’re newcomers to Finland navigating their new lives or facing sudden, unimaginable challenges.
Kauhanen recalls a poignant example: a recently widowed father who struggled to reach out for help. “It was incredibly difficult for him to ask for support, but he realized he had no choice if he wanted to arrange the funeral and steady his family life.”
And the community responded. “He received the crucial support he needed during those harrowing first weeks, allowing him to stay strong for his children.”
Normalizing the act of asking for help hasn’t just taken hold in Finland. Commu users are now found in the UK, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, Norway, and Germany.
“We are witnessing a surge in people eager to contribute to their own well-being and that of their community,” Kauhanen observes.
“I’ve known what it feels like to be completely alone, with no way out. Yet, I’ve also experienced the profound relief that comes when someone acknowledges your struggle and walks alongside you.”
By James O’Sullivan, April 2026