Knowledge informed youth practices

- the Report/website on Young People’s Wellbeing in Helsinki

10.3.2014Pirjo Mattila

Young people in Helsinki

At the beginning of 2014, Helsinki had 135 934 residents aged between 15 and 29 years.

This means every fifth Helsinki resident belongs to this age group.

Youth policy in Helsinki

• Based on–Whose facts?–Which tradition, profession?– Values?– Shared understanding?

Statistical Finland since middle of 19th century, lots of statistisc also in municipal level

National institute for health and wellfare (THL) School Health Promotion study The study reaches 80% of the age group in comprehensive

schools and 70% in upper secondary schools. The response rate for vocational schools cannot be estimated reliably.

The study gives an opportunity to monitor trends and assess differences between genders and areas.

The results are also utilised in research and in different welfare programs, strategies and policies.

The Finnish Youth Research Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1988, for the purpose of promoting multidisciplinary youth research in Finland.

In Helsinki

City of Helsinki Urban Facts •is the expert organization responsible for statistics, research, information and open data as well as records management at the City of Helsinki

Statistics and researches in different departments

Why websiteYoung People’s Wellbeing in Helsinki ?

• For the purpose of developing relevant public services and of giving policy-makers the information they need, the Finnish Youth Act (7 a§):produce knowledge about various aspects of wellbeing among young people.

• The problem is not lack of information – more where to find it when needed

• Starting from existing services and clients needs we already know or

• As sectorised services or young one as hole or

• supporting and starting from the potential in a young person or

• Mixed?

SO ?

Theoretical view

• The Capabilities Approach theory developed by Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen and philosopher Martha Nussbaum.

• The idea is to see young people as active actors that learn and develop their skills in interaction with other members of the community where they grow up.

How• To a shared idea with co-

workers from different division • To build ideas of 8 dimension

of well-being• To select and collect indicators• To interpret meanings• To compare with experiences

and researches

What?

• In Helsinki, various kinds of information are assembled in a Report on Young People’s Wellbeing which highlights information about and from young people.

www.nuortenhyvinvointikertomus.fi

• The report/website consists of indikators, research, experience knowledge from youth and youthworkers

• The work follows an open data principle, meaning that the database behind the website can be accessed by developers and researchers.

www.aluesarjat.fi/Nuortenhyvinvointi/

• LIFE AND HEALTH• DEVELOPING YOURSELF• MANAGING THE FUTURE• SAFETY• EMOTIONS AND

INTERACTION• ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP• EQUALITY• NATURE AND

SUSTAINABILITY

How is the information used?

• The website is a tool for developing public services for young people in Helsinki.

• The information is handled and interpreted at various forums (experts, managers, workers and young people)

• From the interpretations and suggestions we annually make suggestions how to develop the public services for young people.

• An annual summary will form a basis for service delivery and development.