Halloween parties and yard work bees –tenant activities bring together neighbours of all ages
There is an active resident committee operating at Tullivuorentie in Ala-Malmi, holding events at which neighbours can meet each other with a low threshold.
Tenant activities have begun to become a staple at the Tullivuorentie 22 location in Ala-Malmi, completed in 2021.
“At first, it was challenging to get people to take part,” comments Chair of the resident committee Riina Puotsaari.
Today, tenants are exchanging children’s sports equipment and toys and waiting together for bulb flowers planted in the autumn to grow.
“We are actively holding events that all are welcome to take part in. We have events ranging from bulb flower planting to Halloween parties,” Puotsaari says.
Brought together by children
Many of the tenants at Tullivuorentie have children in common, as the majority of the tenants are families with children. As such, the starting point for shared activities was the needs of children.
“Many parents have gotten to know each other through children. Other tenants may have other things in common, such as a dog,” active member Linda Granström explains.
Granström has been involved in the organisation of many events.
“Linda has been a driving force in all tenant events. Every location should have someone like her,” Puotsaari says.
Even though many of the events focus on children, the aim is for the tenant activities to take tenants of all ages into consideration.
“Based on tenants’ wishes, we have planned open and easy-to-approach activities where people can get to meet their neighbours. We are planning to hold open door days in the club room, where people could spend time and have coffee together,” Puotsaari says.
“No one should be left alone”
Puotsaari says that everyone needs to have contacts in their life.
“At best, contacts are found in the person’s home yard and the person has a group to do things with. No one should be left alone.”
In addition to fostering community spirit, knowing your neighbours creates a sense of security. It also facilitates communication in the residential area.
“When facing a problem, children usually seek out an adult they know. When you get to know the children, it’s easier to discuss the shared rules with them,” Puotsaari explains.
Puotsaari and Granström enjoy being involved in the resident committee.
“It’s natural and easy for me to interact with people. Having a community spirit is nice,” Granström comments.
“The tenant activities are a nice change of pace from my work and everyday family life,” Puotsaari adds.