Finnish Slot Machine Association

The year 2016 was the last year of operations of the Finnish gaming operators Fintoto, Finland’s Slot Machine Association, and Veikkaus. At the beginning of 2017, a new gaming company was launched, as the gaming operations of the three previous operators merged into a single company called Veikkaus. The Ministry of Education and Culture and Finland’s Slot Machine Association are among our most important partners. In addition we cooperate with a number of other public institutions, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Finnish Transport Agency and the European Union. Finland: European Casino Association (ECA) In Finland, gambling is regulated by the Lotteries Act. The country’s government merged its only three gambling licensees at the start of 2017. VTKL is also involved in international activities, for example by participating in congresses and the European AGE cooperation network. VTKL receives substantial funding from the Finnish Slot Machine Association. An important partner in the collaboration is the hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa. Furthermore, the Helsinki Psychiatry Centre is also committed to collaboration. The project is financed by the Finnish Slot Machine Association RAY. For further information please contact: iek@mielenterveysseura.fi.

VTKL – The Finnish Association for the Welfare of Older People is an active opinion leader supporting the well-being of elderly people and working for the benefit of member organizations.

VTKL was established in 1949 for promoting the welfare and social protection of the older population. It is a national cooperation organization for approximately 340 non profit associations working for the benefit of older people.

VTKL’s members include both local and nationwide associations. The member associations run things like home services and sheltered housing around the country. They also provide other services, volunteer work and arrange various day activities for older persons. Members of VTKL also include national organizations for pensioners and other associations that arrange, among other things, recreational and voluntary activities.

VTKL is also involved in international activities, for example by participating in congresses and the European AGE cooperation network.

VTKL receives substantial funding from the Finnish Slot Machine Association.

Organizational activities

• VTKL participates in the work of policy development committees and groups in public administration and as a member in the activities of national cooperative organizations.
• VTKL offers its members information and advice in relation to current important issues, holds regional meetings and provides education.
• VTKL provides information about old age. The goal is to promote a positive attitude towards ageing and older people for the organizations and personnel working in the field.
• VTKL has published the magazine Vanhustyö (Work in the Field of Elderly Care) since 1950`s. The journal is published five times a year and each issue carries a special theme.

Development and training

Development projects aim to create new service models and provide latest knowledge for employees in the field. Projects are implemented in cooperation with member associations, local authorities and other partners. Results are published as reports and articles. Educational events organized by VTKL bring up current themes and issues in work with older people.

Support and advice for older people

Home repair advice for war veterans and the aged

The Central Union has around 15 regional home repair experts who help veterans and older people in assessing and planning house renovation and applying repair allowances. If necessary they also help in finding contractors to carry out the repairs. The repair advice is provided free of charge.

Activities to alleviate loneliness

“Circle of Friends” is a group model for older people, who experience loneliness from time to time or perhaps every day. The aim is alleviate and prevent loneliness. It offers also training for elderly care professionals and volunteers.

Read more about Circle of Friends.

Activities for seniors

Activities for seniors include clubs, groups, volunteer activities, recreational activities and activities for informal carers in the Helsinki metropolitan area.Nationwide education for tutors.

The Day and Week of Older People

Finnish Slot Machine Association Of America

Finland has celebrated The Day of Older People since 1954. The Day of Older People takes place on the first Sunday in October, and the following week is The Week of Older People. VTKL selects a theme for the week and produces a poster and a journal as inspirational material.

Finnish Slot Machine Association Games

Festivities and events are arranged during the week around the country focusing attention on ageing well.