We consider it important that the national volunteer training event Helpers in Aulanko is accessible to all Finnish Red Cross volunteers. We are striving to make the event as accessible as possible and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in it. 

Principles of safer spaces 

The Finnish Red Cross is creating principles of safer spaces, which will be introduced at the event. The principles take into account many accessibility and safety factors, such as accessibility of activities, safe environment and equality of operators.

The principles of safer spaces will be updated on the RedNet website before the Helpers in Aulanko event and shared with all event participants. 

Warm and welcoming atmosphere 

We will not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination at the event. We will intervene in any inappropriate behaviour without delay. All Finnish Red Cross volunteers and employees are committed to following our code of conduct and acting accordingly at the event. Learn more about the Finnish Red Cross code of conduct here.

If you are joining us at the Finnish Red Cross national volunteer training event for the first time, we will make sure that you receive all the necessary information before and during the event. 

Programme 

The principle language of the event is Finnish, but some activities are also available in Swedish and, if necessary, English. Activities and lectures aimed at all participants are held in Finnish and interpreted as necessary. 

When you register for the event, please tell us which languages you wish to use at the event and if you need an interpreter for Finnish activities. 

The event activities will be engaging and interactive. We will ensure a safe atmosphere at the event and the opportunity for everyone to comment on and participate in the activities without prejudice. The activity leaders and lecturers are instructed to promote an open and respectful discussion culture at the event. 

For the first time, you can also attend the national volunteer training event online from the comfort of your home! Our objective is to facilitate interactive online participation in the event. More information about how to participate in Helpers in Aulanko online will be provided on the RedNet page later. 

Accessibility 

Conference and spa hotel Scandic Aulanko has taken the special needs of its guests into account in its design and services. Learn more about the accessibility of the hotel here.

Health and safety 

We will ensure the health and safety of the event participants. The event organisers will familiarise themselves with the safety guidelines of Scandic Aulanko and learn the locations of the hotel’s extinguishing equipment and first aid kits. Those who need first aid will receive it on location.

We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation and following government regulations. We will instruct all participants to read the event’s safety guidelines before the event. We will intervene in any cases of misconduct. Hand sanitiser and face masks will be available at the event. 

When you register for the event, please tell us of any health needs that you wish the organisers to take into account at the event. 

Conference and spa hotel Scandic Aulanko will also ensure the health and safety of its guests. All Scandic hotels are equipped with a defibrillator, and the emergency exits and extinguishing equipment are checked daily. Learn more about safety at the hotel here. 

Catering 

We will serve sustainable and nutritious food to our event guests. Guests’ allergies and special diets will be taken into account in the catering. Please tell us if you have any allergies or a special diet when you register for the event. 

Travelling to the event location

As part of our sustainability agenda, we encourage participants to use public transport or shared rides to travel to the event location. We will take VR’s timetable into account in the event schedule, in particular the start and end times, and arrange a free bus to travel between the event location and Hämeenlinna city centre before and after the day’s activities each day. The bus will also stop at Hämeenlinna railway station. You can find more information about the bus here.

If you cannot take the shared bus to the event, we encourage you to utilise Hämeenlinna’s public transport. There is a direct bus from Hämeenlinna railway station to the event location. Learn more about Hämeenlinna’s public transport here.

Districts and branches may organise their own transport to the event. Please contact your district or branch to learn more. There is a large, free car park outside conference and spa hotel Scandic Aulanko.

Advance material and registration 

All advance material is provided digitally in Finnish, Swedish and English on the event’s RedNet page. The registration form is also available in these three languages. The language used in all event materials will be as clear as possible. 

Registrations are processed confidentially and only by employees who need access to the information in order to perform their duties. The participants’ allergy and special diet information is disclosed to conference and spa hotel Scandic Aulanko’s restaurant in accordance with the Finnish Red Cross’ privacy policy. Learn more about the Finnish Red Cross’ privacy policy here.

Please tell us your wishes and needs regarding accessibility when you register for the event or by emailing the event organisers at vapaaehtoistapahtuma@redcross.fi. This helps us ensure that the event is equally accessible to all Finnish Red Cross volunteers.