|
Our peer groups are intercultural groups in which family members of intercultural families can participate. Our activities include, for example, Duo Mother & Baby and Duo Toddlers groups, Duo Living Room Family Cafes, Duo Fathers' groups, Duo Job Hunting groups and Duo Integration groups. In cooperation with the Kaapatut lapset ry and Päksy ry, we also organise Multicultural Living Room (Moku-olkkari) peer meetings for inter- and multicultural one-parent families.
You can find more information about the groups at the bottom of this page. |
More information about the Duo Peer Groups
|
Duo Mother & Baby and Duo Toddlers groups
|
New intercultural Duo Mother & Baby and Duo Toddlers groups start regularly throughout the year with the help of our wonderful volunteer mothers! If you don't find a group that suits you and your baby, you can always register on the waiting list as a participant and/or volunteer.
This group has been a life saver. It's easy to just stay at home and feel stressed and overwhelmed. Taking part in the group, you will still feel overwhelmed, but you feel much better also. |
|
ongoing GROUPS and groups starting soon
|
Duo Mother & Baby groups are relaxed and confidential meeting places for mothers and babies from intercultural families. Both Finnish and foreign mothers with babies under one year old can participate in the groups. The uniqueness and peer support of the Duo Mother & Baby groups stem from the unique dynamics of intercultural families and the experiences of the parents. Duo Mother & Baby groups are closed, which means that you must register in advance and no new participants are accepted during the group period. This creates a confidential and safe atmosphere in the group, which also enables in-depth discussion. It is very important that no one in the group feels like an outsider and that everyone can safely share their experiences with other group members. If you wish, you can sign up in advance for the upcoming groups' waiting list and we will contact you when a suitable group is about to start.
Can´t find a group that suits you? No worrries. New Duo Mother & Baby groups start again in August/September. Information will be added to this page as soon as the group schedule is confirmed. OR Become a Duo Mother & Baby group facilitator and start your own group with a facilitator pair! Register for the next orientation day by filling out the registration form online. More information Duo toddlers group hakaniemi, helsinkiWhen: Fridays 23.10.-27.11. (10-11.30)
Where: Familia´s Office, Haapaniemenkatu 7-9 B (10. kerros) Sign up Duo Mother & baby group hakaniemi, helsinkiWhen: Thursdays 1.10.-19.11. (10-12)
Where: Familia´s Office, Haapaniemenkatu 7-9 B (10. kerros) Duo Mother & baby group herttoniemi IIWhen: Wednesdays 7.10.-25.11. (10-12)
Where: Asukastalo Ankkuri, Paasivaarankatu 6, Helsinki Duo Mother & baby group herttoniemi I (Group is closed)When: Wednesdays 12.8.-30.9. (10-12)
Where: Asukastalo Ankkuri, Paasivaarankatu 6, Helsinki Duo Mother & baby group tapiola, espoo(group is closed)When: Mondays 31.8.-19.10. (11-13)
Where: Tapiola, Ainoa shopping center play area, Länsituuli 5, Espoo Duo Mother & baby group pähkinärinne, vantaa (Group is closed)When: Thursdays 3.9.-8.10. (11-13)
Where: Pähkinärinne, Vantaa (The exact address will be provided after registration) Registration |
Duo toddlers group for families with several children lippulaiva, espooWhen: Thursdays 17.9.-17-12. at 11.30
Where: Lippulaiva Library, Espoonlahdenkatu 8, Espoo Duo Toddler Groups are relaxed meet-up places for moms and toddlers, where you can meet others in a similar life situation, get peer support, make new friends and find a safe space to share both joys and sorrows of an intercultural family life in Finland. Mums of both Finnish and foreign backgrounds are welcome to join the group with their babies and toddlers. The group is led by a volunteer. Sign up Duo Mother & baby group koivukylä, vantaaStarting later in the autumn. Sign up
Become a facilitator for the Duo Mother & Baby group and lead a group in your own local area! |
WHAT ARE DUO MOTHER & BABY GROUPS AND WHO ARE THEY FOR?
|
Duo Mother & Baby groups are relaxed and confidential meeting places for mothers and babies from intercultural families. Both Finnish and foreign mothers with babies under one year old can participate in the groups. The uniqueness and peer support of the Duo Mother & Baby groups stem from the unique dynamics of intercultural families and the experiences of the parents.
Duo Mother & Baby groups are closed, which means that you must register in advance and no new participants are accepted during the group period. This creates a confidential and safe atmosphere in the group, which also enables in-depth discussion. It is very important that no one in the group feels like an outsider and that everyone can safely share their experiences with other group members. The Mother & Baby Duo groups are led by volunteer pairs of instructors, and the group leaders are themselves mothers of intercultural families with babies. The groups last for about two months and consist of 6-8 weekly meetings. Those who sign up for the group commit to attending the group meetings. Ps. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer and lead a Duo Mother and Baby group? Read more about here. |
The best thing about my Duo Mother & Baby group was hearing other mothers' experiences and being able to share my own experiences. The unity feeling in the group. |
DUO Living room Family Cafes
neurodivergent livingroom, helsinki (Registration required)When: 26.8., 30.9., 28.10., 25.11., 16.12., 27.1., 24.2. and 31.3. from 18 to 19.30
Where: Familia's office, Haapaniemenkatu 7-9 B (10th floor) Familia's Neurodivergent Living Room is a casual monthly meeting where neurodivergent adults from immigrant or intercultural backgrounds can discuss topics relating to neurodiversity, learn from each other, and make friends. Activities will vary based on what participants are interested in! These meetings are open, meaning participants can join as many meetings as they like and new people may join later on. Registration is requiered, so we can plan the servings and activities beforehand. duo livingroom art pop-up in iso-omena, espooWhere: Iso Omena Library, Stage (Suomenlahdentie 1, Espoo)
When: Tuesdays 27 October and 17 November (15.30-17.30) Free entry! Come along and enjoy some arts and crafts with the whole family! 
|
duo livingroom iso-omena, espooWhere: Iso-Omena Library, Paja Lounge (Suomenlahdentie 1, Espoo)
When: Saturdays 19.9., 3.10., 17.10., 31.10., 14.11., 28.11. at 12-14 Free entry Duo Living Room is a cosy space for intercultural families, where families can meet, share experiences, play and spend time together. It offers parents and children the chance to get to know one another in like-minded company. This autumn´s programme at Iso Omena’s Duo Living Room has been designed especially for families with babies. It includes, amongst other things, music sessions, story times and baby massage. Please follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for more details. However, everyone is welcome to join in, and the atmosphere at Duo Living Room is always relaxed and warm – you can drop in whenever suits you and stay for as long as you like! Free entry, no registration required. 
|
What are Duo Living Rooms?
What are living rooms/ family cafes and who are they for?
|
Familia’s Living Rooms and Family Cafés are welcoming spaces where intercultural families can meet, share experiences, and spend time together.
These gatherings offer parents and children the chance to connect with others in similar situations, build friendships, and find peer support in an open and inclusive environment. Each meeting may include relaxed conversations, playtime for children, and small activities or discussions led by volunteers. Topics can be centered around any topic in particular too. The atmosphere is informal — you can join whenever it suits you and stay as long as you like! The groups are facilitated by volunteer pairs. Ps. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer and leading a group? Click here for more information. |
|
DUO Fathers' GROUPS
|
|
|
The Multicultural Fathers’ Group is a welcoming and confidential meeting place for fathers raising children in intercultural families. The group offers an opportunity to share experiences, discuss parenting across cultures, and connect with other fathers in a supportive environment. The group meets once a month and is organised in collaboration with HNMKY. Participation is free and the meetings include a shared lunch. The group is held in English and places are limited, so registration is required. DUO FATHER football group, Vantaa
|
The Duo Fathers & Children group is a welcoming and confidential meeting place where fathers and their children can spend time together while connecting with other intercultural families. The group offers fathers an opportunity to build stronger relationships with their children, share experiences of parenting between cultures, and meet other fathers and children in a supportive environment. The group creates a space where children can see other children spending time with their fathers, and where fathers can exchange ideas and experiences with others raising children in intercultural families. Duo groups are facilitated by trained volunteer pairs and usually meet several times over a period of a few months. They are closed groups, which means that registration is required and new participants are not added once the group has started. DUO Turkish speaking FATHERs' group, HELSINKI
|
Duo Fathers’ groups are welcoming and confidential meeting places for fathers in intercultural families. The groups offer a space to share experiences of parenting between cultures, exchange ideas, and connect with other fathers in a supportive environment. Duo Fathers’ groups are facilitated by trained volunteer pairs, often fathers from intercultural families themselves. The groups usually meet several times over a period of a few months. They are closed groups, which means that registration is required and new participants are not added once the group has started.
The Duo Fathers’ Group in Turku is a welcoming and confidential space for fathers in intercultural families to meet, connect, and share experiences. The group offers an opportunity to talk about parenting, everyday life, and living in Finland, while building connections with other fathers in similar life situations. The main language of the group is English, with Finnish available as a support language to ensure everyone feels included and understood. Meetings are informal and may include open discussions, peer support, and small activities. The aim is to create a relaxed and supportive environment where fathers can connect, reflect, and feel a sense of community. Pre-registration is now open. Dates and location will be confirmed based on participant interest. Duo groups are facilitated by trained volunteer pairs and usually meet several times over a period of a few months. They are closed groups, which means that registration is required and new participants are not added once the group has started. |
What are Mens'/ Fathers' Groups?
What are the mens'/ fathers' groups and who are they for?
|
Familia’s Men’s and Fathers’ Groups offer a relaxed and supportive space for dads and men in intercultural families to meet, talk, and share experiences. These gatherings are a chance to connect with others who understand the joys and challenges of parenting and family life across cultures.
The meetings are informal — you can join freely, take part in discussions, or simply enjoy being together. Some sessions may include guided conversations, peer support, or small activities led by our volunteers or community members. Whether you’re looking for practical tips, new friendships, or just a moment to unwind, you are welcome. The groups are facilitated by volunteer pairs. Ps. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer and leading a group? Click here for more information. |
|
employment bootcamp
Struggling with your job search in Finland? Not sure how to use AI tools effectively?
Our Employment Bootcamps are a practical, hands-on workshops designed to help you strengthen your job applications and stand out in today’s competitive job market. Together, we cover different topics related to job searching, working life, and other employment related themes.
Come and connect with other job seekers, exchange experiences, and gain practical tools you can apply right away.
City of Helsinki is our supporter for our employment-related activities, such as the Employment Bootcamps. And with the City of Helsinki's support, we can continue creating practical learning opportunities for international seekers in Finland.
Our Employment Bootcamps are a practical, hands-on workshops designed to help you strengthen your job applications and stand out in today’s competitive job market. Together, we cover different topics related to job searching, working life, and other employment related themes.
Come and connect with other job seekers, exchange experiences, and gain practical tools you can apply right away.
City of Helsinki is our supporter for our employment-related activities, such as the Employment Bootcamps. And with the City of Helsinki's support, we can continue creating practical learning opportunities for international seekers in Finland.
Duo Job Hunting groups
|
The Duo Job Hunting Group brings together members of intercultural families who want to strengthen their job search skills, build meaningful connections, and grow their confidence in the Finnish job market.
This is a supportive space where participants learn, share experiences, and take practical steps forward together. During the sessions, we’ll explore topics such as the Finnish job market, CV and cover letter, networking strategies, and more. When: Tuesdays starting 10.11.- from 17.00-19.00 Where: Familia (Haapaniemenkatu 7-9B 10 krs. Helsinki) Language: English Free of charge |
|
What are the Duo Job Hunting Groups?
What are the duo job hunting groups and who are they for?
|
Duo Job Hunting Groups bring together job seekers from intercultural families to share experiences, learn together, and support each other during the job search process.
These groups offer a safe and encouraging space to talk about challenges, strengthen your skills, and stay motivated. Each session focuses on a practical topic — such as CVs, interviews, Finnish work life, or wellbeing during unemployment — and is guided by trained volunteers or guest speakers. Participants can exchange tips, ask questions, and build confidence in a friendly and understanding environment. You are welcome whether you are actively job hunting, planning your next step, or simply looking for peer support. Ps. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer and leading a group? Click here for more information. |
|
Duo Separation Support Group
|
|
|
Duo Divorce and Separation Support Group for Women in Espoo is a warm and confidential peer support group for women who are divorced, separated, or going through separation after an intercultural relationship. The group meets once a month and offers a safe space for sharing experiences, being heard, and receiving peer support. In the group, participants can discuss topics such as coping with separation or divorce, loneliness, children’s wellbeing, co-parenting, personal resources, and rebuilding life after separation. The group is not therapy or legal counselling, but peer support for moving forward. Places are limited, and the spring group is full. However, you can register for the autumn group. The group is closed, which means registration is required and new participants cannot join after the group has started. |
Duo Divorce and Separation Support Group for Women in Vaasa is a warm and confidential peer support group for women who are divorced, separated, or going through separation after an intercultural relationship. The group meets once a month and offers a safe space for sharing experiences, being heard, and receiving peer support. In the group, participants can discuss topics such as coping with separation or divorce, loneliness, children’s wellbeing, co-parenting, personal resources, and rebuilding life after separation. The group is not therapy or legal counselling, but peer support for moving forward. Places are limited. The exact starting date will be confirmed later. The group is closed, which means registration is required and new participants cannot join after the group has started. |
Duo Divorce and Separation Support Group for Men in Helsinki is a warm and confidential peer support group for men who are divorced, separated, or going through separation after an intercultural relationship.The group meets once a month and offers a safer space for sharing experiences, being heard, and receiving peer support. In the group, participants can discuss topics such as coping with separation or divorce, loneliness, children’s wellbeing, co-parenting, personal resources, and rebuilding life after separation. The group is not therapy or legal counselling, but peer support for moving forward. Places are limited. The exact starting date will be confirmed later. The group is closed, which means registration is required and new participants cannot join after the group has started. |
Duo Divorce and Separation Group
|
The Duo Divorce and Separation Group offers peer support for people who are divorced, separated, or going through separation after an intercultural relationship. The group provides a safe space to share experiences, discuss coping with divorce or separation, children’s wellbeing, co-parenting, and rediscovering one’s own identity, as well as meeting others in a similar life situation. The group is not therapy or legal counselling, but peer support for moving forward.
If you are interested in starting a Duo Divorce and Separation Group for intercultural families in your own city or municipality anywhere in Finland, please contact Nora Dadi. |
|
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
|
DUO ACTIVITIES AROUND FINLANDWould you be interested to have activities for intercultural families close to you? Contact us and we tell you more about the opportunities that already exist close to you or how to start a Duo activity yourself!
|
"Good atmosphere, friendly people. Participants seemed to genuinely like each other."
