IMPROVE Consortium Meeting in Helsinki
Snowy Helsinki hosts the
Improve Project Consortium Meeting
The Improve project is a collaborative effort aimed at reinforcing the fight against domestic violence by developing several tools to increase reporting and detection of domestic violence by empowering the victims to understand their rights to services and justice. The project held its consortium meeting in the picturesque setting of Helsinki, Finland. With the city draped in a blanket of snow, the meeting was a blend of productive discussions, insightful presentations, a new exhibition of the Clothesline Project and fruitful networking.
The two-day event, held on Tuesday, 23 April and Wednesday, 24 April 2024, kicked off with a warm welcome and meet-and-greet session by Joonas Peltonen, Head of Unit, Special Services, THL (National Institute for Health and Welfare), followed by an overview of the agenda and introductions from participating organisations.
The first day began with a focus on strategies to engage stakeholders and media, led by representatives from WE and DHPOL. Breakout sessions delved into dissemination efforts and stakeholder engagement, providing valuable insights into the project's progress.
Throughout the day, breakout sessions were conducted to discuss specific project outcomes, including insights from T1.3 and T1.4, and the status of Work Package 6 in preparation for the Mid-Term Review. These sessions facilitated in-depth discussions and fostered collaboration among project partners.
AinoAid launch – biggest success story during the Improve Consortium Meeting
At the end of the first day of the Improve Consortium Meeting, the AinoAid™ was launched in the city centre of Helsinki. It was presented to all the guests who attended the dinner following its launch.
Anna Juusela from We Encourage took the stage to unveil AinoAid™, the services it offers and its journey throughout the years.
Sara Parlapa, a standout presenter from the Western Uusimaa Police Department, shared her findings from a Domestic Violence Detective's perspective. Her presentation highlighted the role AinoAid™ plays in providing comprehensive support to those affected by domestic violence, marking a significant stride in combating this societal scourge.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and optimism. Attendees engaged in spirited discussions, envisioning the future of AinoAid™ and its potential to transform lives. The event culminated in a sense of collective achievement, as participants reflected on the significance of this milestone in the Improve project's journey.
The work continues and study visit to Helsinki Police
The second day began with a focus on updates from different work packages, including WP2, WP3, and WP4, followed by breakout sessions and discussions led by participating organisations. The day concluded with a summary of the discussed results, highlighting the progress made and outlining the way forward.
Finally, the group visited the local Poliisi, organised by PLV and POLAMK, to learn about the local policing issues and connect to important stakeholders for our project. Thank you for having IMPROVE as a visitor!
