FriendChat – anonymous and free online discussion support
Do you need someone to talk to or support you when you’re lonely?
FriendChat is a free and anonymous chat service for chatting with others safely online. You can easily participate without registering and discuss the big and small things in everyday life, relationships or experiences of loneliness, for example.
When the chat is open, you can join in by clicking the chat button at the bottom of the page. At other times, it is not possible to post in the chat.
If you arrive on the page before the chat opens, you should refresh the page so that the chat name is updated correctly. You can join the conversation even if the chat appears to be closed.
See chats and video meetings below
On Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
A welcoming group chat in English to talk about loneliness, social relations, making friends in Finland and everyday life. When the chat is open you can join the group chat by clicking the red bar at the bottom of the page.
On Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
A safe and open chat in Finnish with no set topic. In the group chat, you can share how your day is going or talk about the joys, sorrows, dreams, and disappointments of life. Join in and see what we’re chatting about today!
On Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Buddy Chat is a group chat for young people and young adults where you can talk openly about loneliness and relationships – or simply share what’s going on in your life. Join the conversation and tell us how you’re feeling today! This chat is mainly in Finnish.
Monday 4 May, 5:00–6:30 pm
Monday 7 September, 5:00–6:30 pm
Monday11 November, 5:00–6:30 pm
Come and learn more about the Red Cross and the volunteer opportunities we offer. You’re also welcome to share your experiences of volunteering! You can join the chat in Finnish, Swedish or English.
FriendChat is an open, low-threshold online meeting place with regular chats or video meetings. FriendChat is intended for anyone who wants to meet new people or needs someone to talk to. Group discussions are mainly facilitated and moderated by volunteers. FriendChat is part of the Red Cross Friend Activities.
You can join the conversation without prior registration by clicking the red bar at the bottom of the page. When you send your first message, you will create a username for yourself. Read more about the data protection of online support.
The guidelines for online conversations are always follewed in the FriendChat.
If you encounter inappropriate behavior, would like to leave open feedback about the activities, or have questions about the principles of the Red Cross’s online operations, please send an email to verkkotoiminta@punainenristi.fi. The email inbox is monitored on weekdays by Red Cross online support staff.
Frequently asked questions
How does FriendChat work?
- You can find chat schedules under “See chats and video meetings”.
- Open a group chat by clicking the chat button at the bottom of the page.
- Join the chat using a nickname.
- Participation is free of charge and does not require registration.
- The discussion is guided by trained volunteers.
- You can read other people’s posts or join in the discussion.
- If the chat does not open, reload the page.
The chat runs in your browser – you don’t need a separate app.
Who is FriendChat for?
FriendChat is for anyone who:
- is looking for someone to talk to or wants to meet new people
- is experiencing loneliness and seeking peer support
- wants to share thoughts safely and anonymously
You don’t need a specific reason – you can join the conversation at a low threshold.
What kinds of topics can I discuss?
You can chat about the following, for example:
- loneliness
- relationship
- everyday goings-on
You can contribute exactly as much or as little as you want.
Can I chat anonymously on FriendChat?
Yes. You can participate in the discussion under a pseudonym without registering.
Is FriendChat free of charge?
Yes, the service is completely free of charge.
Do I need to register to access the chat?
No, you do not. You can join the chat directly in your browser.
Who is FriendChat for?
FriendChat is open to anyone who needs someone to talk to or peer support.
Can I just read the discussions?
Yes, you can follow the conversation without actively participating.
Is there professional help available on FriendChat?
The chat sessions are facilitated by trained Red Cross volunteers. This does not constitute professional help.
When is FriendChat available?
FriendChat organises discussions on different topics several times a week. Check the menu above for up-to-date chat times and join in.
Will my conversation data be retained?
The chats are anonymous and no information is stored that could identify the user. More information on data protection
How to join a video meeting
Click the “Join video meeting” button. Please note that you must allow the browser to use the microphone and camera. See more detailed instructions on how to join the video meeting
