Finland is undergoing a transformation in its social and healthcare services. Our population is ageing, we are operating with an insufficient number of staff, and the availability of services is under pressure.

One key - yet often invisible - group in this landscape is care assistants. In 2025, JHL (The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors) launched a dedicated theme day to honour the valuable work of care assistants. This day is celebrated annually on May 22nd. Its purpose is to remind us of the significance of care assistants - not only in the everyday routines of care work but also in society as a whole. It highlights that their work is meaningful; it is an investment in well-being and humanity.

In the future, social and healthcare services cannot be seen as the same humane force they have been unless the contribution of care assistants is recognized. True to their title, care assistants provide care: they walk with clients, wash them, and feed them when necessary. Their work allows practical nurses and registered nurses to focus on their own professional responsibilities, ensuring clients receive the care they need.

The idea for Care Assistants’ Day began to take shape in early 2025, sparked by a meeting of the European HCA (Health Care Assistants) network at the end of 2024. Discussions there centered around how to make the invisible work of care assistants more visible and elevate the appreciation of the profession. At JHL, we reflected on this and decided that care assistants deserved a day of their own - a day where they would finally be in the spotlight.

Promotional materials were shared on social media and JHL’s own channels.

To mark the day, a writing competition was announced, inviting care assistants to share their personal success stories. Many submissions were received, reflecting the warm attitude workers have toward their profession. Three entries were selected for awards by a jury composed of union members.

The celebration on May 22nd was held at JHL’s own premises, with speakers including JHL’s Chairperson, Håkan Ekström.

Planning for the 2026 event will begin later this year, to make it even more visible and impactful. The theme will be developed in collaboration with care assistant members and JHL’s communications team, and possibly with other stakeholders as well.

This International Day of Care and Support is a moment to celebrate their work, but it is also a message to society and decision-makers: we can no longer manage without care assistants.

*Authored by Sami Haapakoski, JHL, specialist in occupation-specific activities.