Tampere Residents’ Evening in Hervanta: Discussions on equality, safety and the future of the district

The Tampere Residents’ Evening in Hervanta takes place on Tuesday 17 March 2026 from 17:00 to 19:00 at the Hervanta Leisure Centre Hervake (Lindforsinkatu 5).

Tampere Residents’ Evenings are relaxed and welcoming events where residents, the City and local associations meet. Participants have the opportunity to meet City staff and decision-makers, discuss current issues and share their views.

– Discussions with City representatives can be held in both Finnish and English. If any topic feels difficult to understand, you can always ask the presenter to explain it more simply, says Jarno Koskinen, Regional Coordinator responsible for organising the events.

Local associations will also be present to showcase their activities. Music and other cultural performances will contribute to the pleasant atmosphere.

The events are open to everyone and free of charge. The City’s safer space principles apply.

Discussions on equality and safety

The Hervanta event is part of the activities organised for the Anti-Racism Week.

During the evening, participants can join two discussions related to equality and safety. The first will feature Deputy Mayors Anne-Mari Jussila and Jaakko Mustakallio, and the second will include Risk Management and Safety Director Jouni Perttula.

Those interested in skills that strengthen equality and community spirit can also take part in a walk-in workshop led by Lujaksi ry.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the City’s new reporting channel for racism, test it and provide feedback.

The evening will culminate in a performance by singer-songwriter Isaac Sene, featuring music inspired by his own experiences.

Improving attractiveness and community spirit in Hervanta

This year marks the launch of the City of Tampere’s Neighbourhood Development Programme, which will continue until 2029. The programme aims to strengthen the vitality of Tampere and its distinctive and attractive districts.

Hervanta is one of the programme’s focus areas. A total of 50,000 euros has been allocated this year to improve attractiveness in Hervanta.

– The funding will be used according to residents’ wishes. Come and tell us how the money should be used to improve Hervanta, says Coordinator Sini Lempinen.

– We will also be handing out brand-new Hervanta tote bags. It’s worth picking one up and filling it with the interesting leaflets distributed by various organisations during the evening.

The City’s Tampere for All Development Programme will also bring new initiatives to Hervanta.

– A new community café and space is being planned for the Hervanta Leisure Centre. We want to hear what Hervanta residents would like it to be. What should it look like and what kind of activities should it offer? says Regional Coordinator Noora Karumaa.

Tampere is a diverse cultural city. At the City’s Cultural Services art workshop, participants can create a small artwork of their own and share what kind of art and cultural services they find interesting.

At the Sports and Youth Services stand, participants can learn about Hervanta Leisure Centre Hervake and share their views on what kind of activities they would like to see in its facilities.

Local communities present themselves

– Hervanta is a community-oriented district with many active associations. We are pleased to welcome several of them to present their activities at the event, says Regional Coordinator Jarno Koskinen.

– Both new and long-term residents can discover interesting and useful activities through the associations’ offerings.

Among those present will be YSTI ry, which will introduce Toimela, a leisure space for children, the Täky meeting place, and Verkko volunteer activities. The Tampere branch of the Finnish Red Cross will present its wide range of activities, including first aid and preparedness, friend activities, food aid distribution and support for integration. TampereMissio will share information about the support, clubs and volunteer opportunities they offer.

The event will also highlight services aimed at international residents of Tampere. International House Tampere is a one-stop service point offering support for settling in Tampere, employment, studies and connecting with employers. The Finnish-Pakistani Cultural Association brings together the city’s Pakistani community and supports its members in adapting to Finnish society.

Coffee, juice and small snacks will be available for the first 150 participants.