Hobby Groups

Looking for a hobby for a person with special deeds?

We offer a wide range of hobbies and free-time activities for children and young people with special needs and for their families.

We welcome all children, youth and young adults who benefit from a hobby in a small group. You don’t need a diagnosis nor a doctor’s referral to join our groups.

We always have two instructors in a hobby group and a maximum of four to eight participants. Groups are organized by professionals and they are held mainly in Finnish. Our professionals make sure that the activity is tailored to suit everyone.

All groups practice skills to spend meaningful free time. Social skills are strengthened in our activities alongside other skills learned in the group. When skills training is taken into account in group planning and guidance, group members learn while having fun. It is therefore important that the hobby is participatory and that groups are formed with expertise.

All our activities are located in Helsinki.

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 can practice basic skills of independent living such as cooking, moving around in nature and in the city. In small groups, each child and young person receives personal guidance.

In addition to learning practical skills, the participant’s social skills and self-confidence develop. The participant experiences the joy of doing 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)
Nature club for families (once a month) – in co-operation with Kehitysvammatuki 57

Ilmaisun Huone

At Ilmaisun Huone, the instructors actively support participants’ social and interaction skills.

Children can 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
Leikki tutuksi – playgroup for children
Playgroup for children
Youth evenings (once a month)

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
The child has difficulties of speech production
The child uses alternative communication methods
Engaging in hobbies has not been succesful in a large group
The child’s hobby skills need practicing
The child needs support in executive functioning
The child needs support in tasks requiring movement or fine motor skills
The child 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

Check the Hobby Group Schedule

Hobby groups for people with special needs. How to start a hobby in Malary.