Meet Lapinlahti people: Helli
The sunny and energetic Helli has been in a work trial in Lapinlahden Lähde as an event coordinator.
“Before I came here, I had a long career in printing, where I worked as store manager, head of marketing, and graphic designer. The work-life balance started to blur, so I decided to take a small break. Eventually, I ended up studying event organizing in AJK. I found Lapinlahti through my friend Noora, who visits here once a week through Autism Foundation Finland’s Lappari gang. She asked me to organise the opening night of their exhibition, and gave me a tip that you could also apply here for an apprenticeship.”
Helli feels that Lapinlahti is a culturally exciting and diverse place, but there were small improvement suggestions.
“I was familiar with Lapinlahti before. I have been here to weddings, sauna, exhibitions and hangouts in the park. When I came to the building as a newbie, I noticed the lack of proper signs. I took to it right away and designed guideposts and clearer signs to make Lapinlahti more accessible. Now the entrance to the park has the couple metres tall guide sign I made! Inside the building we have put up info stickers, and perhaps the most important ones are coming, i.e. toilet signs.”
For Helli, Lapinlahti is also a haven of peace, where you feel safe and at home.
“I am a little bit of an overachiever, and I came here to practice particularly how one works at a “normal” pace. My advisor Katja Liuksiala says I started like a tornado, but I have finally learnt to calm down and stopped stressing about futile things. The biggest help has been the wonderful nature of Lapinlahti. I go for a walk in the park during the day and often stay after work to sit on the beach. There is some wonderful magic in Lapinlahti, that even if it feels chaotic at times, in the end everything always works out and I have even learned to trust it. There is such a friendly and helpful atmosphere here, you can always get help from someone.”
“During my training I have participated in multiple events in different roles from organiser to being in charge of the toilets. I also organised my own flower pot decorating workshop during the Flower weeks.”
Helli has a wish for the future of Lapinlahti and city planners.
“I expect and assume that the city will see the value of Lapinlahti’s cultural and mental health activities and make them part of its vision. The beautiful historical building and the park’s vegetation and trees should also be protected.
Original text: Taika Korpinsola