Located in Finland, Seinäjoki is one of the three cities participating in the HOPE project. It represents a good model that could be replicated by other cities across Europe, while it keeps learning from partner cities as well. 

Seinäjoki understands the importance of developing multi-professional and multi-organizational approaches and solutions to support well-being, inclusion, employment, and entrepreneurship for its citizens. According to a Local Government Act, "The municipality promotes the wellbeing of its residents and the vitality of its area and organises services for its residents in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way." Nevertheless, what makes citizens feel well?

Reports and memos of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (2011:21) states the following: "The promotion of wellbeing are the activities carried out jointly by different sectors of the municipality to support and increase the social wellbeing, health, safety and inclusion of the individual, family, communities, population and their living environments, and to prevent and reduce poverty, exclusion and other social disadvantages, as well as the systematic allocation of resources in a way that promotes wellbeing."

Henna Rantasaari, Coordinator of Health and Welfare Promotion at City of Seinäjoki, explains that there are a series of elements that ensure wellbeing: health, material wellbeing, quality of life (expectations of a good life, human relationships, self-esteem or meaningful activity), community wellbeing (living conditions and environment, employment and working conditions or livelihood) and individual wellbeing (social relationships, self-realisation, happiness or social capital).

It should be highlighted that a good living environment lays the foundation for the wellbeing of residents. Henna adds that it provides the opportunity to live, use services, work, engage in outdoor activities, hobbies, but also rest and privacy. Furthermore, healthiness, safety, accessibility and comfort are also important features of the living environment.

In reference to health, the Department of Health provides and organises the basic healthcare services to the people of Seinäjoki (City Hospital, School and Student health care, Physical therapist´s reception, Child welfare clinic or Family planning clinic, among others). Regarding social services, there are many available for citizens (social work for adults, child law services and welfare, substance abuse and addiction treatment services, mediation of criminal disputes, disabled services or older people services).

In terms of education and culture, the municipality of the future offers early childhood education, preschool, primary and secondary education, civic institutes and liberal education and libraries.

When referring to cultural wellbeing, it is well known that participation in art activities strengthens health and wellbeing, for example, learning new things, creating a connection, finding your own strengths, being seen and heard, meaningful everyday life and human encounters.

Furthermore, there are other services that influence wellbeing in the City of Seinäjoki. Henna mentions the transport planning, to promote a sustainable and healthier mobility; sports and exercise services, creating sports facilities and guided activities; and, nutrition services, like Heart Symbol food.

In conclusion, how is Seinäjoki developing a local identity and democracy? The Health and Welfare coordinator highlights five important facts: participation, communality, communication and interaction with city residents, civic organisations as partners of the municipality and equality and non-discrimination. In that way, Seinäjoki is promoting the vitality of the city by sharing the attractiveness of the locality, enabling employment and the integration of immigrants, and developing an industrial policy and sustainable practices.