Helsinki – Talking it out

Helsinki offers a free low-threshold service, Mieppi, as a support to people during challenging times. During the crisis the service went online, and nurses and psychologists provided their support via phone or conference calls. Mieppi offers up to five meetings to people from 13 years of age and older. As a low-threshold service, Mieppi believes that early support and aid can help find ways of coping. Talking and being heard achieves the main goal of creating a human connection that will help overcome difficult times. Read more here

Contact: Outi Forsström

Dusseldorf – Live Corona-Talks with the Mayor

Dusseldorf’s mayor Thomas Geisel is offering live talks online in which he and chosen speakers answer people’s questions concerning Corona. The talks are in a Q&A format and take place twice a week – Tuesdays and Fridays. Residents can send in their questions in advance or via the live chat. After the live streaming the talks can be watched on the city’s YouTube channel:

Zaragoza – 198 beds for the homeless

The Zaragoza City Council has converted the ‘Tenerías sports municipal centre’ into a big dormitory for the homeless. This is in addition to 98 places already offered at the ‘Albergue municipal’. The services provided will include health assistance, three meals a day, and social services support in cooperation with the municipal social services. Read more here

Contact: Lorena Calvo

Milan – Creating a coordination centre for all over 65s services

The municipality of Milan has set up an operational base to organise the transport of goods (food, medicines or other basic necessities) and provide other support services for the over 65, as well as other people who have other chronic conditions or are  immunocompromised that have been ordered to stay at home.

A parallel action undertaken by the city includes the creation of seven food hubs for distribution to those unable to leave their home, and the training of 3,000 people who applied to become volunteers.

Read more here and here

Contact: Olimpia Vaccarino Aureli