Hobby Groups

Looking for a hobby for a person with special needs? 

If you need special support in your free‑time activities, you are welcome to join our groups.

We create safe and encouraging spaces where you can try new things, learn at your own pace and enjoy your free time.

We offer a wide range of hobbies and free‑time activities for people who need special support and also for their families.

No diagnosis or doctor’s referral is required. All children, young people and adults who benefit from small‑group activities are welcome.

Our groups have two professional instructors who have specialised in working with people with special needs. Group size is max. 4–8 participants, ensuring a safe and individual approach. Activities are mainly held in Finnish. Our instructors make sure that each participant can join in at their own pace.

In every group, participants learn how to spend their free time in a meaningful way. They also practice social interaction, communication and everyday skills. And of course, have fun in a supportive environment. As the group activities and guidance take participants’ support needs into account, learning happens naturally through enjoyable and engaging activities.

All our activities are located in Helsinki. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us: info@malary.fi

Kunnon Huone

The training utilizes your own body, which strengthens your motor and physical skills. Kunnon Huone also teaches how to spend leisure time.

The groups are led by professionals who specialize in instructing children and youth with special needs.

At Kunnon Huone, we exercise and encourage each other because joy is essential in our activities. 

Hobby groups at Kunnon Huone: 

  • Gym classes for children, youth and young adults 
  • Swimming classes for children, youth, young adults and families 
  • Ball games for youth and young adults 
  • Juoksukoulu (running class)

    Toiminnan Huone

    In Toiminnan Huone hobby groups, children and young people get to practice independent living skills such as cooking, moving around in nature and navigating the city. Small group size ensures that every participant receives personal, attentive guidance.

    Alongside practical skills, participants also develop their social skills, confidence, and sense of capability. Each session offers moments of joy, participation, and moments of success.

    Hobby groups at Toiminnan Huone: 

    • Cooking Classes for children, youth and young adults 
    • Lego Group for children
    • Malary’s Youth Excursions (once a month)
    • Board&Console Games Group for youth
    • Nature Club for Families (once a month) Free of Charge. In co-operation with Kehitysvammatuki 57 ry

    Ilmaisun Huone

    At Ilmaisun Huone our instructors actively support each participants’ social and interaction skills.

    Children learn to work together through joy, play, and personalized support. We support their activities by strengthening interaction, empowering, and celebrating their successes.

    With young people and young adults, the focus is on creating a conversational culture, considering others and functioning in society.  

    Hobby groups at Ilmaisun Huone: 

    • Nuorten tulevaisuus – Youth Futures Club
    • Leikki tutuksi – Playgroup for children
    • Mimmit – Group for girls 
    • Luova ryhmä – Creative group 
    • Nuorten illat – Youth Evenings once a month, free of charge

    Basic Information

    We have about 40 hobby groups weekly. You can find the schedule below or HERE.  We offer also short term activities which are not binding for the whole season. All activities are held in the Helsinki area, and everyone is welcome without municipal boundaries. You can start a hobby when convenient for you, at any time during the season.

    If you are interested in starting a new hobby, contact us via email: info@malary.fi. In your message, please tell us the following information: 

    • Participant’s name
    • Participant’s age
    • Needs of support 
    • What activity you are interested in 
    • Guardian’s / contact person’s phone number 

    We will arrange a free introductory visit first. You will meet the instructors and get to know our facilities at your own pace. Together, we will think about which group would be suitable for you. 

    It is important for us to know what kind of support the participant needs. Finding the right group is influenced by your wishes, age, and skills. We strive to find a nice group for everyone, with like-minded participants. 

    The first group visit is not binding; you can come to try it out free of charge and see how you like the activity. 

    PRICE LIST 2025

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Come try our activities if any of the following apply:

    • There are challenges in sensory processing
    • There are difficulties of speech production
    • The person uses alternative communication methods
    • Engaging in hobbies has not been succesful in a large group 
    • The person’s hobby skills need practicing 
    • The person needs support in executive functioning 
    • The person needs support in tasks requiring movement or fine motor skills 
    • The person needs support in social situations 
    • Accessible spaces ensure participation in hobbies 
    • Structure in daily life is important 
    • The use of aids such as pictures helps with participation