Have you recently moved to Kivistö and would like to meet new people?
The Neighbourhood Mentor program is just for you!
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How does the Neighbourhood Mentor program work?
MarjaVerkko ry recruits and interviews volunteers who are ready to become Neighbourhood Mentors for new residents in Kivistö. Together with your mentor, you can explore the Kivistö area and its services, have coffee, go for a walk, chat — or come up with any activities you both enjoy.
The goal is to help new residents settle into their new neighbourhood and build social connections. Sometimes Neighbourhood Mentors and new residents become long-term friends, but please note that the program is not intended as a friendship service.
We recommend that each mentoring pair meets about four times in total, roughly once a month — though this can vary depending on the pair. MarjaVerkko ry supports all volunteers and is available throughout the entire mentoring process.
Examples of activities for mentoring pairs:
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Going for a walk or jog
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Having a picnic
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Attending a local sports practice or fitness class
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Visiting a playground with children
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Meeting up for a dog walk
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Having coffee together
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Taking part in activities organized by a local association
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Going shopping
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Gardening together
Who can become a Neighbourhood Mentor — or request one?
Anyone living in the Kivistö area who is an adult, enjoys meeting new people, and wants to help newcomers settle in can apply to be a Neighbourhood Mentor. No special skills are required — the most important thing is willingness to help.
Anyone who has recently moved to Kivistö and would like some support in getting to know the area or meeting new people can request a Neighbourhood Mentor. The program is intended for adults only.
How are mentoring pairs matched?
MarjaVerkko selects the mentoring pairs based on applications and interviews, and takes care of the mentors’ orientation as well as the overall coordination of the program. We do our best to match participants with someone compatible, which is why we ask about your interests during the interview. Please note that sometimes it may take a little while to find the right match.
Why take part in the program?
Neighbourhood Mentors have given very positive feedback and found the experience truly rewarding. Some have even made lasting friendships or valuable new connections through the program.
The Neighbourhood Mentor initiative brings people together and helps make Kivistö an even more welcoming and enjoyable place to live. By joining in, you’re helping to strengthen the sense of community in Kivistö.
With the form below, you can apply to become a Neighbourhood Mentor or request a mentor for yourself or someone close to you:
MarjaVerkon tietosuojakäytännöt.