Voluntary work and peer support

Voluntary work is done for the benefit of other people, communities or the environment, without financial compensation, and therefore reflects the values of the volunteer. It shows a desire on the part of the volunteer to get involved and make a difference. Volunteering contributes to the common good and is beneficial for everyone involved. Since it also improves the volunteer's quality of life, it is recommended to everyone.

Providing peer support is a voluntary way of helping others based on your own life experience, life skills and personality. Peer support is systematic support between two people or in a group. Participants in peer support are equals and usually act as both givers and receivers of support.

The Finnish website http://vertaistuki.kuopio.fi/ lists the organisations belonging to the voluntary work and peer support network in the Kuopio region.