New drug use day centre to open in Helsinki’s Vallila due to overcrowding

A temporary day centre for drug users will open in Helsinki’s Vallila district in August to ease pressure on the overburdened Sörnäinen facility, city officials announced on Tuesday.

The new centre, operated by the non-profit Sininauhaliitto, will serve up to 150 clients daily at Mäkelänkatu 50, offering meals, showers, and laundry services. The two-year pilot project may be extended by an additional year, according to the city’s agreement.

Helsinki’s Social, Health, and Rescue Services Board stressed the urgent need for expanded services in the Vallila-Sörnäinen area, where drug-related issues have intensified. The board also demanded continued efforts to secure permanent, larger premises for the existing Sörnäinen Symppis centre, which specialises in harm reduction for injecting drug users. Suitable long-term facilities have yet to be found.

Symppis centres provide low-threshold services, allowing anonymous and intoxicated visits. Helsinki currently operates two fixed centres and a mobile unit offering outreach support across the city. The board further called for strengthened resources for mobile services and neighbourhood outreach to complement the growing network.