Mahdollisuus lapselle ry logo
Mahdollisuus lapselle ry logo

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 uses your own body to develop your motor and physical skills. Kunnon Huone also encourages participants to discover meaningful ways to spend their leisure time.

The groups are led by qualified professionals with expertise in working with children and young people with special needs.

At Kunnon Huone we exercise, support, and motivate one another, because having fun is an important part of everything we do.
 

Hobby groups: 

  • Gym classes for children, young people and young adults 
  • Swimming classes for children, young people, young adults and families 
  • Ball games for young people and young adults 
  • Juoksukoulu (running group)
  • Perhehulinat for children with an adult
  • MOTOliikka for children aged 7-15
  • Annual Malaryn Matka is an inclusive, accessible and feel-good sports event.

    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: 

    • Cooking Classes for children, young people and young adults
    • Lego Group for children
    • D.I.Y. Do-It-Yourself Group for young people
    • Kiti’s Nature Excursions for young people (once a month)
    • 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: 

    • Playgroups for children
    • Gaming Group for young people – Board, card and console games
    • Malaryn menot – Youth outings to cultural events and attractions 
      • Malaryn Iltamat (formerly Nuorten illat) – Free of charge monthly gatherings for young adults

      Basic Information

      We offer around 40 hobby groups every week. You can find our weekly schedule here. We also organize short-term activities that do not require a commitment for the entire season.

      All activities take place in the Helsinki region, and participants are welcome regardless of their municipality of residence.

      You can join a hobby group at any time during the season, whenever it suits you.

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

       

      • Participant’s name
      • Participant’s age
      • Needs of support 
      • Activities of interest
      • Guardian’s or contact person’s phone number 

        We offer a free introductory visit first. During the visit, you will meet the instructors and get to know our facilities at your own pace. Together, we will find the group that best suits you. 

        Understanding the participant’s support needs is important to us. Finding the right group is influenced by your wishes, age and skills. We strive to find a nice group for everyone, where they can feel comfortable and included with like-minded participants.

        Your first hobby group visit is free of charge, giving you the chance to meet the group, try the activity, and find out if it’s a good fit for you.

        Come and try our activities if, for example, any of the following apply:

        • Sensory processing challenges 
        • Speech and communication difficulties 
        • Use of alternative or augmentative communication methods 
        • Difficulty participating in large groups 
        • Need for support in developing hobby skills 
        • Need for support with planning and daily tasks (executive functioning) 
        • Need for support in tasks requiring movement or fine motor skills 
        • Need for support in social situations 
        • Need for accessible facilities and spaces 
        • Benefit from clear routines and structure in daily life 
        • Benefit from visual supports, such as pictures, to aid participation
        Check the Hobby Group Schedule
        Contact us
        Hobby groups for people with special needs. How to start a hobby in Malary.
        Frequently asked questions - watch a video on Youtube