The Finnish Seamen’s Church Makes a Difference

For 150 years, the Finnish Seamen’s Church has supported Finns around the world. We continue our work to ensure that no one finds themselves in difficulty or is left alone.

Viisi hymyilevää nuorta näyttää sormillaan voitonmerkkiä kumartuneena kameraan päin.

The Finnish Seamen’s Church’s activities are open to everyone and diverse in nature. At the heart of its work is promoting the overall well-being of Finns living abroad, Finns traveling internationally, seafarers, and other client groups.

“The Seamen’s Church is an important community for an expatriate Finn like me. Going to the church always feels welcoming, and there is always someone to talk to.”

Demand and Need

  • Finns are increasingly moving abroad, for example for studies or work.
  • The Finnish Seamen’s Church provides a safe community for everyday life.
  • In crisis situations, it is important to be able to speak with a professional in one’s native language.
  • Especially in challenging situations, a familiar cultural context offers significant security.

Each year, the Finnish Seamen’s Churches serving Finns abroad hold approximately 152,000 encounters. Of these, nearly 64,000 are part of STEA-funded activities, including about 5,000 one-on-one support meetings.

“An easily approachable place where you can receive conversational support, companionship, activities, and a sense of community.”

The Work of the Finnish Seamen’s Church is High-Quality and Impactful

  • Our sosial care professionals recognize subtle signals and identify those in vulnerable situations.
  • Prevention and early support save money in the long term.
  • Work carried out by professionals is safe and properly targeted.
  • Well-managed volunteer activities increase the sense of meaningfulness, reduce loneliness, and strengthen agency
Kaksi ihmistä kättelee, lähikuva.

The Finnish Seamen’s Church’s activities:

  • Reduce feelings of loneliness, insecurity, and social exclusion
  • Improve everyday functioning and personal agency
  • Expand social networks
  • Strengthen the willingness and opportunities to participate in volunteer activities.

“Thank you for all the activities, the charity fairs, the café, and its wonderful products.”

The Finnish Seamen’s Church Has Diverse Funding

One-third of the Finnish Seamen’s Church’s funding comes from its own fundraising.

External funding comes from several sources:

  • Combined state and EU funding accounts for about one fifth
  • The Church, parishes, and collections together make up about one third
  • Foundations, funds, and other grants account for about one fifth

Each year, around a thousand volunteers participate. Volunteers help make the diverse activities of the Finnish Seamen’s Church possible.