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Updates

What's new on the site and what's coming next. You can comment with your nickname.

A dedicated page for peer support groups, group tips and revised Kela templates

4.7.2026 klo 15:57

Three updates today:

Peer support groups now have their own page. Facebook groups where people share food, goods and tips are gathered in one place, split into nationwide and regional groups. You can reach it directly from the food aid page.
In food aid you can now suggest a Facebook group too, not just a distribution point. In the tip form you choose which one you are suggesting. All tips are checked before publishing.

The Kela appeal letter templates were revised. The instructions now clearly separate two routes — basic social assistance (a request for review, then the administrative court if needed) and other benefits (an appeal that goes via Kela to the Social Security Appeal Board) — and a new template for appealing to the administrative court is included.

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New guides, a new financial calculator and a clearer front page

3.7.2026 klo 21:38

A lot of new things have arrived on Arkikahvila today.

NEW GUIDES

Losing your job
The 2026 changes to dismissal and lay-offs, unemployment security, and what to do first of all.

Threat of eviction
The stages of the eviction process and the crucial 14-day deadline within which you must respond to the District Court's summons.

Separation and divorce
The stages of divorce and of separating from a cohabiting partner, matters concerning the children, and the division of property. There is a separate section on shelters and help if there is violence or the threat of violence in the relationship, as well as guidance for when the other parent blocks contact with the child.

Child welfare — a parent's rights
What happens in the process and what rights you have at every stage, if child welfare services get in touch.

Pensioner's survival guide
Benefits that many people leave unclaimed, plus direct phone numbers you can call when you need help or company.

NEW TOOL

Financial calculator
Works out how much money is left when your income and expenses are added up.

ALSO

New letter templates, including a request for an employment certificate, a claim for holiday compensation, and a reply to a District Court summons.

The front page has been organised into clear groups so you find the right help faster.

You can now save Arkikahvila to your phone's home screen like an app.

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New page: ready-made letter templates

2.7.2026 klo 21:49

A new letter templates page is now open — 14 copyable model letters for the most common situations: appealing a Kela decision, applying for payment-free months, disputing a debt, requesting an itemisation of collection costs, objecting to a time-barred debt, proposing a composition to a creditor, applying for a client fee reduction, GDPR requests to companies and more. Each template has a copy button and a .txt download, and the notes explain when to use it and which attachments you need. At the bottom of the page you can tell us anonymously which template you are missing — we will add the most requested ones. You can find the page on the front page and at arkikahvila.fi/letter-templates, also in Finnish and Swedish.

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New FAQ page for the enforcement guide

2.7.2026 klo 20:29

Alongside the enforcement guide there's now a new FAQ page covering questions the guide didn't yet answer: when scheduled fees end, whether debts are inherited, how to respond to a summons, how an eviction proceeds, and what you should never do. The content has been fact-checked against current sources. The page is now available in Finnish and Swedish as well.

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New feature: Second-hand search

2.7.2026 klo 15:50

Arkikahvila now has a second-hand search! Enter your postal code or city to see the nearest flea markets, reuse centres and charity shops on the map — with addresses, opening hours and phone numbers.

Included are UFF and SPR Kontti stores, Fida shops, reuse centres and local flea markets — and we keep adding new ones all the time. You can help: if you know a place that is missing, send a tip via the form on the search page. We verify details before publishing.

You can also help others by confirming a place's details after your visit — every place has Details correct / Outdated buttons.

The search works in three languages: Finnish, Swedish and English.

Find it via the front-page card or directly at arkikahvila.fi/second-hand

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New Updates page — and today's other improvements

2.7.2026 klo 14:07

This page is new! Here I'll share what's been done on Arkikahvila and what's coming next. You can comment with your nickname — comments are published after review.

Today we also:

• Added 13 new food aid distribution points in Southwest Finland (Turku, Raisio, Kaarina, Paimio, Naantali, Piikkiö, Mynämäki, Nousiainen) and updated the contact details for the Tuusula parish — thanks to the deacon who let us know about the changes!

• Strengthened the site's security in several ways. Your data remains safe — and we still collect as little of it as possible.

• Made the Forum picks on the front page smarter: it now features posts the community has voted as helpful.

If you spot an error or have an idea for improvement, let us know in the comments or via the contact form. This site is built for you.

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Help now — free and anonymous

  • Velkalinja money and debt worries 0800 9 8009 weekdays 10-14
  • MIELI Mental Health Finland crisis line when things are hard 09 2525 0111 24/7
  • Peluuri gambling 0800 100 101 weekdays
  • Emergency always call when life is in danger 112 24/7

What is Arkikahvila?

A Finnish, free and anonymous meeting place for money matters and getting by in everyday life. No payday loan or gambling ads — ever.

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