Imagine a school day where no one is left alone — where every young person feels seen, whether during breaks, at the lunch table or in the hallway. This is what we strive for together with HelsinkiMissio.
Youth loneliness in Finland is real and increasing. It affects mood, learning and overall wellbeing. At Posti, we want to help build a society where every young person feels they belong.
Our collaboration with HelsinkiMissio is part of our social responsibility work. Through it, we can support young people’s wellbeing, promote equality and an anti-racist environment — and demonstrate how a company can act for the common good. We believe that caring belongs to everyone.
School to Belong brings hope and tools to schools
HelsinkiMissio’s School to Belong program offers schools concrete ways to strengthen community and reduce loneliness. Posti’s support has enabled the program to grow, giving an increasing number of schools access to effective tools.
The results speak for themselves:
More than 200 schools across Finland involved
The program reaches over 100,000 young people every year
In upper secondary schools that have participated for several years:
Experiences of loneliness have decreased by 5 percentage points
Feelings of exclusion have decreased by 14 percentage points
Young people’s ability to cope with loneliness has increased by 9 percentage points
Understanding of loneliness has increased among students, staff and guardians
Around 1,000 young people receive conversation-based crisis support annually at the Youth Crisis Point. Harmful loneliness decreased by 16% among those who received support in 2024.
Why this matters to us
Posti is part of everyday life in Finland. We are present throughout the country and want to use our position responsibly.
Our social responsibility work means that we:
Strengthen equality and human rights
Use our voice to advocate for young people
Promote an anti-racist environment
Support society through concrete partnerships
School to Belong is one way we put these values into practice.
Small actions, big impact
The collaboration has included many small but meaningful actions that have brought joy and strengthened community in schools:
Valentine’s Day cards Over 10,000 cards have been sent to young people across Finland — reminding them that caring shows in even the smallest gestures.
Friendship Challenge A campaign that encouraged young people to do kind acts for one another. Thousands took part, and school environments warmed immediately.
Let’s Eat Together Conversation triangles sent to 79 schools encouraged students to connect with one another at the lunch table.
These moments stay with young people and make it easier to reach out to others.
Impact that lasts
The strength of School to Belong lies in how it becomes part of everyday school life. Its tools take root. Conversation culture grows, community practices strengthen and young people’s participation increases.
According to HelsinkiMissio’s experts, the program brings hope, safety and practical ways to support young people. Its impact lasts.
Towards a more connected everyday life
Loneliness is not something a young person should face alone. When someone stops, pays attention and invites them in, it can make a world of difference.
Together with HelsinkiMissio, we have seen that change is possible. Every step toward a more connected school brings us closer to a Finland where every young person feels they belong.
Learn more about the School to Belong program on HelsinkiMissio’s website: https://www.helsinkimissio.fi/schooltobelong/