Diaconal Work
You can book an appointment with a diaconal worker if you need someone to listen, someone to talk to, guidance and advice, or financial assistance. Together, we can explore possible solutions to your situation.
Diaconia can be defined as social work done by the church and it aims to offer help in different ways. We are there to help and support you in different phases of life when you might need someone to talk to. Discussions with diaconal workers are always confidential, you can for example discuss your life situation, try to find a way forward or try to find help together. No one has to be alone.
Diaconal workers can also help you with worries related to a difficult financial situation. Primarily, you should seek financial aid from Kela or social services. Financial aid that the diaconal services offer is mainly temporary and small scale, with the purpose to help you through the most difficult time.
Who Can Receive Support?
Anyone in need of support is welcome to seek assistance from the diaconal services of Lappeenranta Parishes. Church membership is not required, and all our services are provided free of charge.
Financial assistance is available to residents of Lappeenranta who are experiencing financial difficulties. All applications are assessed individually, and assistance is granted on a discretionary basis.
Advice and Support Helpline
The Diaconal Services Advice Helpline of Lappeenranta Parishes is available on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Phone: 040 3126 266
Someone to Talk To
Our diaconal workers are here to support you through different situations in life. You can reach out for help when facing challenges such as grief, loneliness, illness, financial difficulties, or questions about life’s meaning and purpose.
Our diaconal workers are qualified professionals in social services and healthcare who provide guidance and support tailored to your individual needs.
To speak with a diaconal worker in person, please book an appointment. All conversations are treated with strict confidentiality.
Financial Advice and Assistance
If you would like to discuss your financial situation, explore available benefits, or find out whether you may be eligible for financial assistance from diaconal services, you can book an appointment at your nearest diaconal services office or another parish location. All support and advice are confidential and free of charge.
If you are seeking financial assistance, please bring documents showing your income and expenses. Before applying for financial assistance from the parish, please make sure you have first applied for support from Kela and, if necessary, from local social services.
Financial assistance from diaconal services is based on an individual assessment of the applicant’s overall circumstances by a diaconal worker. This assistance is discretionary and is not a statutory entitlement.
The aim of financial assistance is to provide relief or help improve a person’s circumstances. Financial assistance is usually provided as one-time emergency support to help people cope with unexpected financial difficulties.
Food Aid
The parish’s community meals offer free breakfast or lunch at various locations across Lappeenranta. These meals are open to everyone, providing an opportunity to enjoy a meal and connect with others.
For more information, please visit our Meeting Places and Community Meals page.
If you need financial or food assistance, you can discuss your situation with a diaconal worker. Please book an individual appointment with a diaconal worker in your area. Please note that we do not distribute ESR vouchers.
For information about other food assistance services available in Lappeenranta, please visit Ruoka-apu.fi.
Book an Appointment with a Diaconal Worker
You can view available appointment times and book a meeting with a diaconal worker through our online booking system.
You can also book an appointment by phone or email with a diaconal worker in your area.
If you need support with substance abuse, issues related to crime, disabilities, or challenges faced by young people, our specialist diaconal worker, diaconal workers specialising in disability support, and specialist youth workers are available to help.
Support for Substance Use, Addiction and People with a Criminal History
Are you looking for support to live a life free from alcohol and drugs, or would you like help overcoming addiction? Our specialist diaconal services offer personal guidance and support as you work towards positive changes in your life.
Talking through your situation and making plans together can help you identify the next steps forward. Support may include developing a personalised plan, assistance with rehabilitation, establishing daily routines and, when needed, guidance in accessing appropriate treatment.
Specialist diaconal worker Ari Tuomikoski serves the entire Lappeenranta parish area. He works at the Tikankulma Day Centre and collaborates with prisons, organisations working in substance use support and criminal justice services, and educational institutions.
When a young person needs help managing their substance use, the parish’s specialist youth workers are available to provide support.
SerkKu – Mobile Social Service
Coordinated by Lappeenranta Parishes’ mobile social work services, the SerkKu van reaches residents in rural and sparsely populated areas, particularly where community meeting places may no longer exist or access to essential services is limited.