16.02.2026
Regional Cooperation Group meeting release 16.2.2026
The North Ostrobothnia Regional Cooperation Group met for the first time in 2026. On Thursday 12 February 2026, the agenda included an overview of the recently adopted preparation process and priorities for the provincial programme for Northern Ostrobothnia (2026-2029), a presentation on Leader in Northern Ostrobothnia, and a progress report on business subsidies in Northern Ostrobothnia in 2025. In addition, the regional cooperation group discussed two ESF+ project applications at its meeting.
Positive opinion for two projects
At its meeting, the provincial cooperation group supported two projects.
The main objective of Diakonia University of Applied Sciences Ltd, Auta Lasta ry and Cultural Cooperative ILME's Second Story project is to promote the professional competence of child protection workers. This is achieved by using the second story method. In addition, the project organises various art workshops that strengthen children's and young people's self-expression. The project is aimed especially at professionals working in foster care in child welfare and at employees of mental health services in the wellbeing services area. The total cost of the project is estimated at EUR 639 563, for which support (ESF+ and the State) was requested at EUR 537 435.
The Finnish Centre for Children and Youth, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences develop a systemic model for child welfare work, introduce digital tools for child welfare and co-operation in the field of child welfare work, as well as for aggregating phenomenal work. In addition, the aim is to instill the model in pilot locations in Kuusamo, Ylivieska and Liminka or Tyrnävä, and to support the expansion of the model. The project will create a new permanent way of working, in which the work to be carried out has become part of the preventive work of child protection and community and foster care. The total cost of the project is estimated at EUR 888 584, for which aid (ESF+ and the State) of EUR 708 144 was requested.
Both projects will be financed under Axis 5 Finland for Social Innovation and under Specific Objective 5.1. Safety nets for the future of young people.
Changes in the composition of the secretariat of the Provincial Cooperation Group
The North Ostrobothnia Regional Cooperation Group appointed members to its secretariat. The Centre for the Vitality of Northern Finland, which started its operations at the beginning of the year, was appointed as its full members Eine Kela, Anne Pulkkinen, Riitta Ilola, Tiina Suutari, Jukka Tuohino and Heino Heikkinen. In addition, the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia appointed a member of the Regional Secretariat Laura Kelhan.
Next meetings
The next meeting of the regional cooperation group will be held on Thursday 9 April 2026 at 10 a.m.
Additional information:
Laura Kelhä, Regional Development Manager, tel. +358 50 385 4016
MYR Protocol
