Online friend activities

Anyone can experience loneliness, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. Loneliness may be caused by a change in life circumstances, physical distance from loved ones, or mental health challenges. Additionally, difficulties such as limitations in functioning or social anxiety can make it harder to form and maintain new relationships.

Through the Red Cross Online friend activities we connect trained volunteers with individuals experiencing loneliness to form supportive friendships. The pairs engage in private, anonymous conversations through email or messaging apps. The age range of volunteers and participants is approximately 15 to 80 years.

This program is ideal for volunteers who wish to support those in need of companionship in various life situations. It is helpful if volunteers are comfortable expressing themselves through writing. We also hope that volunteers have stable personal circumstances, as some participants may be going through challenging times, and their messages can occasionally be emotionally demanding. We encourage volunteers to commit to at least six months of involvement.

How to become a volunteer

To become an online friend volunteer, please complete the following courses:

• Online helper at the Finnish Red Cross: This self-study course provides skills for online interactions. Instructions for completing it can be found in OMA Red Cross.
• Friend course (3 hours) – This course is available online or in person. You can find the online courses in OMA Red Cross with search word ”Friend course”. Courses are arranged in English app. five times a year.  Once you have completed the course, you can fill out the online friend volunteer form in OMA Red Cross. This automatically adds your information to the online friendship matching system.