New incentive to develop the Ohjaamo low-threshold services for young people

A new discretionary government grant will encourage municipalities to hire more social, health and education services experts at the Ohjaamo service points, where young people can seek help and guidance at a low threshold. The incentive model will strengthen the resources and multi-professional approach of the Ohjaamo service points, in accordance with the Government decision during the budget session in autumn 2020. The aim is for young people to receive more and better support for wellbeing, education and employment in one place.

The Ohjaamo service points offer young people a wide range of services on a one-stop-shop basis. Based on studies and feedback by young customers, the need to support the mental wellbeing of young people has increased.

“The Government is committed to improving the services for young people and developing the Ohjaamo service points. I am very pleased that the incentive model will help strengthen the Ohjaamo’s multi-professional approach and allocate more resources to support young people. This is all the more important because of the coronavirus pandemic,” says Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.

Government grants to encourage recruitment of experts at Ohjaamo service points

Based on the incentive model, a municipality that has recruited a new expert to the Ohjaamo service point can apply for a discretionary government grant to hire another expert. This means that the municipality will be able to employ two experts at the cost of one.

Funding for the discretionary government grant will come from the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland. Municipalities that have an Ohjaamo service point can apply for the grant. In total, the funding will amount to EUR 13 million, or EUR 3.25 million per annum. Municipalities may apply for the grant from 1 September 2021 and it will be available until 31 December 2024.

The grant can only be used for personnel costs, which involve the strengthening of expertise in social, health or education services at Ohjaamo service points. The funding will be granted for one year at a time.

Inquiries:
Iiris Niinikoski, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, tel. +358 295 047 372
Janne Savolainen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 067 042
Jani Lehto, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 003