In the heart of Rovaniemi, a small but fortunate family, the Teräväs, were among the few who were able to enjoy a subsidized holiday this year. As funding cuts have stripped thousands of unemployed individuals, elderly, and disabled people of this opportunity, the threat looms over families with children next. The Social and Health Ministry’s funding body, STEA, slashed 36% of the funding for supported vacations this year compared to the previous year, resulting in a reduction of over five million euros. While families with children have been spared from the cuts for now, the Terävä family from Rovaniemi seized the chance to escape to Rokua Spa Hotel in Utajärvi. Eetu and Lotta Terävä, along with their children Niilo and Seela, found respite at the hotel. Lotta, currently on parental leave, expressed how this holiday was a unique experience for their family, free from the usual shared accommodations.
“It has been relaxing. It’s nice to have full board, not having to worry about cooking and cleaning. This is probably the first trip for us as a family where it’s just the four of us, not lodging in someone else’s space,”
shared Lotta, emphasizing the significance of this break. With the support provided, the luxury of focusing solely on their children became possible. The plethora of activities at the hotel allowed the Teräväs to bond and create precious memories, especially for their three-year-old, Niilo, who reveled in swimming and playing.
In Finland, five organizations arrange supported holidays for low-income families and adults. This year, the budget cuts primarily impacted vacations for adults, as the funding body did not permit savings on family vacations. Consequently, 5,000 elderly individuals, 5,000 sick or disabled persons, and 1,000 at-risk working-age adults missed out on supported holidays. Aino Majava, the executive director of Solaris Holidays, fears that these reductions may not end here. She anticipates further cuts, expressing concern that family vacations may diminish in the future.
“Supported holidays have proven to be immensely beneficial for the well-being of low-income families,”
emphasized Majava. Any potential cuts could detrimentally affect the resilience of these families, leading to increased feelings of isolation and diminished social connections. Majava stressed the importance of supported holidays for children from disadvantaged families, highlighting how exclusion from such experiences could impact their sense of self-worth. Mika Pietilä, the chairman of Wellbeing Holidays association, criticized the cuts as unjust, questioning the rationale behind dismantling a highly effective and impactful program according to STEA’s own assessments.
Pietilä pointed out that the holiday feedback received this summer from families who benefited from the supported vacations underscored the significant impact of these breaks on their lives. Children reveled in carefree moments, while parents expressed gratitude for a week of respite that would have been unattainable without support. The feedback reinforced the profound significance of these holidays, illustrating how they contribute to the well-being of families in need.
