Article categories: News
Sports and rap as alternatives to youth violence
Published: 15.10.2025
The City of Vaasa’s Youth Services are developing a model to prevent youth street violence. This year, two new Specialised Youth Workers have started their work, reaching out to young people and providing early support before situations escalate.
Specialised Youth Workers Kaisa Ollila and Elina Viitasaari are creating meaningful and community-based activities for young people, offering alternatives to violent behaviour. Their work is carried out both individually and in groups, using the methods of youth work.
– During the summer, for example, we launched the Fokus sports group and piloted rap workshops. Depending on young people’s interests, activities may focus on culture, music, or sports. Different sports and creating music are effective tools that help young people open up and process even difficult emotions in a healthy way, says Ollila.
More safe adults in young people’s everyday environments
The activities target 13–18-year-olds who have an increased risk of violent behaviour or who are already exhibiting such behaviour.
– We meet young people where they spend their time: in public spaces, schools, and shopping centres. The idea is to be present and approachable, and to intervene in risk situations where necessary. This is, above all, preventive work, says Viitasaari.
Broad cooperation
Ollila and Viitasaari work closely with a wide range of partners. For example, volunteers from KRIS Pohjanmaa act as partners for the Specialised Youth Workers in several activities.
Young people can be referred to the specialised youth workers through schools or the Anchor team of the Ostrobothnia Police Department.
– We work through youth work methods, aiming to find meaningful leisure activities together with the young person – something they can commit to. At the same time, we have discussions and support the young person in choosing non-violent solutions. When needed, we also encourage them to seek further support, for example from the NuoriMieli Centre or the school social worker, explains Viitasaari.
More street mediators to be trained
One of the tools in use is street mediation, a constructive and swift way to resolve conflicts between young people through trained mediators.
– Street mediation is now being actively implemented and promoted. We are mapping existing mediators and training new ones, says Mika Pietilä, Director of Youth Affairs.
The work to prevent street violence is carried out within a project funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, which runs until the end of October 2027.
– Our clear goal is to make this work a permanent part of the city’s youth services, Pietilä adds.
Partners in the project include, in addition to the city’s own services, the Anchor team of the Ostrobothnia Police Department, the Ostrobothnia Mediation Office, The Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia, Irti huumeista ry, KRIS Pohjanmaa ry, and MIELI Pohjanmaan Nuorimieli Centre.