Suggest a solution for a more equal and safer Kuopio

The City of Kuopio’s multi-agency safety working group is now looking for residents’ best ideas to strengthen equality and promote everyday safety. The aim of the renewed Community Safety Award is to identify practical solutions to current safety challenges together with the people of Kuopio.

Kuopio has a multi-agency safety working group that brings together representatives from the city administration, the police, rescue services, the wellbeing services county, educational institutions, business and development organisations, and non-governmental organisations. The group addresses issues related to everyday safety, makes recommendations for improving safety, and is also responsible for awarding the annual Community Safety Award.

In 2026 the Community Safety Award is being renewed. From now on, the purpose of the award is to identify solutions to a predefined safety challenge. This year’s theme is understanding diversity, strengthening equality and reducing extremism.

Kuopio is known as a safe, pleasant and inclusive city where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves. At the same time, however, we also see phenomena that challenge community spirit and trust between people. Hate speech, polarization and discriminatory attitudes undermine people’s sense of safety and well-being.

We are now looking for the best proposals from residents, communities, educational institutions, hobby groups and other stakeholders on how we can work together to strengthen understanding, acceptance, a sense of community and mutual respect in Kuopio.

The solution does not need to be large or expensive. What matters most is that the idea is practical and has the potential to genuinely improve human interaction, people’s sense of safety or their experience of equality. You may propose an existing model or come up with a completely new idea together with your friends or your school class. Submit your proposal no later than Monday, 19 October 2026.

The safety working group will review all proposals and select the best one. The winner will be recognized with the Community Safety Award at the City of Kuopio’s anniversary celebration in November 2026. In addition, the winning group will be able to choose an experiential prize from three options: an excursion to Karhusaari Island with Järvisissit, an alcohol-free graduation celebration event in spring, or a day at a fire station.

The best ideas will not remain on paper. The goal is to incorporate the winning solution into the future work of the multi-agency safety working group and implement it in cooperation with the participating organizations.

Do you have an idea that could increase understanding between people, prevent discrimination or strengthen a sense of community? Do you know a person, group or community that is already doing valuable work to promote equality?

Submit your proposal through the online form below by 19 October 2026 and help build a safer, more equal and more inclusive Kuopio. Together, we can ensure that Kuopio remains one of the safest cities in Finland in the future.

Submit your proposal using this form no later than Monday, 19 October 2026: My Proposal for the Community Safety Award