The core of The Strength from Parenthood project is the model of sufficient parenthood, parenthood positive discourse in society, the development of services from the perspective of parents, and support for parenthood.
Parents should be able to experience sufficient and positive parenthood – supporting the everyday lives of families requires cooperation between social welfare and health services, early childhood education, schools, and organisations in the children’s own developmental environments. Early childhood education and school are the key contexts for action. The aim is to identify what kinds of activities best support parents so that children’s health, wellbeing and learning progress also through their parents. Supporting parenthood is not only the responsibility of services; it also requires support from society and peers.
As work aligned with the project continues after its completion, parenthood will be viewed more positively in society and polarisation will diminish. Strengthened parenthood and a positive perception of parenthood will promote societal resilience and overall security.
Goals
The project's objectives are divided into three levels: society, community and individual.
Societal-level objectives:
- Highlight the significance of parenthood as the foundation for the wellbeing and learning of children and young people.
- Bring forward community based and peer based forms of support.
- Initiate societal discussion on sufficient parenthood.
Community level (professionals) objectives:
- Strengthen professionals' competence in supporting parenthood.
- Develop leadership structures and promote ecosystem based cooperation between wellbeing services counties and municipalities.
Individual level (parents and family) objectives:
- Integrate social welfare and health services, early childhood education and school according to the needs of children and parents.
- Strengthen the sense of community and peer support among families.
- Create spaces for encounters.
Implementation
Measure 1: Communication and advocacy (2026–2027)
Measure 2: Experimental programme (2026)
Measure 3: Pilot programme, to which wellbeing services counties, municipalities, organisations and other stakeholders will be widely invited (spring 2027)
Measure 4: Productisation (autumn 2027)
Measure 5: Iterative evaluation research (2026–2027)
Measure 6: Coordination (2025–2027)
Funding
Co-funded by the European Union.
Partners
Main project: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Sub projects: Finnish National Agency for Education (OPH), wellbeing services county of Southwest Finland (Varha), City of Turku.
Development partner organisations: Family Federation of Finland (Väestöliitto), Martha Organisation (Marttaliitto), Finnish Parents’ Association (Vanhempainliitto), wellbeing services county of Central Ostrobothnia (Soite).
Additional partners will be agreed separately. Stakeholders from various sectors, as well as parents, are welcomed to join.
Contact details
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