auttajat

Auttajat is a Finnish noun meaning people who actively help others. The plural auttajat comes from the verb auttaa, “to help,” with the agent suffix -ja. The term is broad and not tied to a single profession; it can refer to professionals such as social workers, counselors, nurses, or teachers, as well as volunteers and informal helpers in communities.

In practice, auttajat are those who provide assistance, guidance, or support in a variety of contexts, including crisis or mental health support hotlines, mentoring programs, social services, education, health care, and community work. The emphasis is on the act of helping and on supportive or practical aid, which can be short-term or ongoing.

The concept differs from related terms. Avustaja (assistant) often denotes a more formal workplace role or a helper assigned to a specific task or person, while apulainen conveys a helper or aide in work contexts. Auttaja highlights the act of helping itself, and auttajat can be either professionals or volunteers.

In Finnish social and municipal discourse, auttajat may be part of organized networks such as volunteer groups, youth work programs, or community support services, and they commonly operate under ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements in many settings.

See also: avustaja, ohjaaja, mentor, vapaaehtoinen (volunteer), auttaminen (the act of helping).