Providers of help 

The University of Eastern Finland is home to students from many different countries and backgrounds. Events in the world – conflicts, natural disasters, political instability – affect members of our community in different ways. Whatever you are going through, you do not have to cope alone. 

If world events are causing you distress, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating on your studies, support is available. 

YTHS (Finnish Student Health Service) YTHS provides mental health support for all degree students. You can book an appointment or contact YTHS for a care needs assessment via the Self–service, SelfChat, or by phone. 

• YTHS appointment booking (opens in a new tab)  

Support in Joensuu 

• North Karelia Crisis Centre (opens in a new tab)  
• Siun sote – mental health and substance abuse services, appointment booking (opens in a new tab)  
• Social emergency services (opens in a new tab)  
• Mental Health Hub (Mielenterveystalo) (opens in a new tab)  

Support in Kuopio 

• Acute psychiatric emergency care, KYS, 24/7. Before visiting the emergency department, call 116 117.  
• Mental health services (Wellbeing services county of North Savo) (opens in a new tab)
• Mental Health Hub (Mielenterveystalo) (opens in a new tab) 

Helplines and chats 

• Crisis helpline (Mieli ry) (opens in a new tab) – available 24/7
• Nettiturvis (Finnish Red Cross) (opens in a new tab) – long-term professional support, free of charge

Campus chaplains Campus chaplains are available for confidential conversations regardless of your religious background or beliefs. They offer support in times of crisis, grief, loneliness, or any difficult life situation.

Campus chaplains – contact details and drop-in hours

YTHS (Finnish Student Health Service) Appointment booking and care needs assessment via the Self online service, SelfChat, or by phone. 

YTHS appointment booking (opens in a new tab)  

Joensuu

• Siun sote – mental health and substance abuse services, appointment booking (opens in a new tab)  
• Mental Health Hub (Mielenterveystalo) (opens in a new tab)

Kuopio

• Mental health services (Wellbeing services county of North Savo) (open in a new tab) 
• Mental Health Hub (Mielenterveystalo) (opens in a new tab) 

Study psychologists More information on the Kamu study psychologist page. 

Nyyti ry A nationwide support centre for higher education students. Nyyti offers free chat conversations, group activities, and self-help resources. 

Nyyti ry (opens in a new tab) 

YTHS (Finnish Student Health Service) 

• Appointment booking (opens in a new tab) 
• Services (opens in a new tab) 
• Student health consultation (opens in a new tab) 
• News at YTHS (opens in a new tab)

As a student, you are also entitled to use the health centres in your home municipality or in your study location. Municipal health services are available around the clock. 

• Joensuu health centres (Wellbeing services county of North Karelia/ Siun sote) (opens in a new tab) 
• Kuopio health centres (Wellbeing services county of North Savo) (opens in a new tab) 
• Kela instructions for student sick leave (opens in a new tab) 

Indoor environment issues If you suspect health symptoms caused by indoor air quality, follow the indoor environment problem resolution procedure (opens in a new tab, UEF-login required). Students should always contact YTHS first. 

YTHS contact (opens in a new tab) 

• Emergency on-call / national helpline 116 117 (call before visiting emergency services) 
• Substance abuse helpline (EHYT ry): 0800 900 45, 24/7, free and anonymous 
• Kuopio Substance Abuse Services Foundation (Päihdepalvelusäätiö) (open in a new tab) 
• Wellbeing services county of North Karelia (Joensuu, weekdays 8:00–15:30): Mental health and substance abuse services, tel. 013 330 2145 
• Mental health and substance abuse services in Kuopio (Wellbeing services county of North Savo) (opens in a new tab) 
• UEF Student Substance Abuse Programme  | UEF substance abuse contact persons 
• Recognise addiction – EHYT ry (opens in a new tab) 
• Päihdelinkki (Addiction Link) (opens in a new tab) 
• Terveyskylä (Health Village) (opens in a new tab) 

• Kela customer service (opens in a new tab) – student financial aid, housing allowance, income support 
• Takuusäätiö (Guarantee Foundation) (opens in a new tab) 
• Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (opens in a new tab) 
• Financial and debt counselling (opens in a new tab) 
• Debt helpline (opens in a new tab) 
• Joensuu social services (opens in a new tab)  
• Kuopio social services (opens in a new tab) 
• In an acute financial emergency, parishes may be able to provide financial assistance – find your local parish (opens in a new tab) 

Someone to talk to 

• Campus chaplains – contact details and drop-in hours 
• Finnish Red Cross – apply for an online friend (Verkkoystävä) (opens in a new tab) 
• Helsinki Mission – you’re not alone (opens in a new tab) 

Information and self-help on loneliness and social anxiety 

• Information on social anxiety (opens in a new tab) 
• Information on loneliness (opens in a new tab) 
• YTHS student guide: Social anxiety as part of life (opens in a new tab) 

Targeted support for sexual and gender minorities 

• Sexpo Foundation – helpline and sexual counselling (opens in a new tab) 

• Kuopio Family House (Perheentalo) (opens in a new tab) 
• Kuopio family support centres (opens in a new tab) 
• Joensuu Family House (Perheentalo) (opens in a new tab) 
• Joensuu family centres (opens in a new tab) 
• Mannerheim League for Child Welfare – Parents’ helpline (opens in a new tab) 

In an acute situation, call 112. 

• Shelters in Joensuu (opens in a new tab) 
• Shelters in Kuopio (in Finnish) (opens in a new tab) 
• Nollalinja helpline (opens in a new tab) 
• Support for men who have experienced violence (opens in a new tab) 
• Victim Support Finland (Rikosuhripäivystys) (opens in a new tab) 

Instructions for dealing with harassment and inappropriate behaviour are available on the dedicated Kamu page. 

UEF anti-harassment contact person Student wellbeing specialist Tiina Juurela, Student and Learning Srvices , tiina.juurela@uef.fi 

ISYY anti-harassment contact persons (opens in a new tab) 

Nationwide support 

• Väestöliitto (opens in a new tab) 
• Jomoni – anti-racism working group (contact form) (opens in a new tab) 

Read more about equality and non-discrimination at UEF on the Kamu equality and non-discrimination page. 

Assessment of learning difficulties If you suspect you may have a learning difficulty, contact the university’s special education teacher, who can guide you to the appropriate services. Special education teacher: [email protected] 

• Individual arrangements at UEF 
• Finnish Association of Different Learners (Erilaisten oppijoiden liitto) (opens in a new tab) 

Learning tools and resources 

• Accessibility Library Celia (opens in a new tab) 
• Kopparit peer tutoring (opens in a new tab, UEF login required)  

Dyslexia and dyscalculia testing  

If you are a degree student, contact YTHS or the university’s special education teacher. If you have access to occupational health care, you can also ask about testing through that service.