What if something happens and no one knows?

A Blog by Soumya Velpula |

My name is Soumya Velpula, and I’m a healthcare professional working in the Cancer Inward at Helsinki University Hospital.

In this blog, I want to share some important information with the sole intention of supporting and informing our community. Please know this is written with love, not judgment. If anything feels personal or emotional, I apologise in advance.

 My goal is only to help us be more prepared individuals, families, and as a community.

Why This Matters

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have quietly asked:
“What if something happens and no one knows”

We live far from our families, in busy or isolated routines. Even a missed message can cause worry or fear. That’s why we must talk about preparedness, communication, and compassion—to protect ourselves and those we care about.

1. Stay in Touch Regularly

• Send a quick voice note or message every 1–2 days
  
  

• Set up a check-in routine with a friend or neighbor
  
  

• Update your emergency contacts
  
  

• Let someone know if you’re traveling, sick, or offline
  
  

➡ ️ Loneliness fades when connection is planned.

2. Share Financial Info with Your Spouse

• Keep a secure folder with:
  
  

  • Bank accounts
    
    

  • Passwords
    
    

  • Insurance policies
    
    

• Use a password manager (like NordPass, Bitwarden)
  
  

• Appoint a Power of Attorney (Edunvalvontavaltuutus) if needed
  
  

✅ Making a Will:

• Must have two unrelated witnesses
  
  

• More info: Drawing up a testament
  
  

✅ Suomi.fi e-Authorizations:

• Let someone handle tasks like picking up your medicines
  
  

• More info: Grant mandates as a person
  
  

🏥 3. Document Your Healthcare Wishes (Living Will)

I’ve seen the emotional burden families face when they don’t know what a loved one would have wanted.

With Oma Tahto (My Will), you can:

• Choose who acts on your behalf
  
  

• Decide on organ donation
  
  

• Set preferences for life support or resuscitation
  
  

➡️ Log in with your Finnish bank credentials at kanta.fi to fill out your living will and organ donation testament.
These are visible to doctors without needing consent again.

📇 4. Share Key Contact Details with Family

Make sure your family knows your:

• Home/work address
  
  

• Phone and email
  
  

• Trusted friend’s number
  
  

• Supervisor’s number
  
  

✅ In case of a delay in response or emergency, this avoids panic and brings clarity.

👶 5. Assign a Guardian for Your Children

If both parents are unavailable:

• Courts or social services may assign care
  
  

• This can be delayed and emotionally complex
  
  

What you can do:

• Appoint a guardian in writing
  
  

• Discuss it with them
  
  

• Formalize it legally, if possible
  
  

➡️ Protect your child’s emotional and legal future with clarity.

🧠 6. Mental Health and Domestic Violence Support

You're not alone. Help is here. Confidential and free.

For mental health:

• Public Health Centers: Book an appointment
  
  

• MIELI Crisis Helpline: 09 2525 0111 | mieli.fi
  
  

• Mental Hub (resources in English): mielenterveystalo.fi
  
  

• Students: nyyti.fi
  
  

For domestic violence:

• Nollalinja (24/7, any language): 080 005 005 | nollalinja.fi
  
  

• Naisten Linja (Women’s Line): 0800 02400 | naistenlinja.fi
  
  

• Shelters: turvakoti.fi
  
  

• Victim Support (RIKU): riku.fi
  
  

Final Thought

"A healthy community builds a healthy society not just through care, but through compassion, knowledge-sharing, and collective strength."

Let’s not wait for the crisis to act.
Let’s stay prepared, not scared.
Let’s support each other without judgment, with empathy.

🕊️ Let’s protect dignity, privacy, and peace. Avoid rumours. Honor consent. Be kind always.

📞 Emergency & Important Numbers

Emergency/Ambulance, fire, police – 24/7 - 112

Health Advice Line 116 117

For non-life-threatening health issues – 24/7

Mental Health Crisis

09 2525 0111

MIELI Helpline – 24/7

Domestic Violence Helpline

080 005 005

Nollalinja – 24/7, multilingual

Embassy of India - Emergency Line

+358-447579259

For Indian nationals, after office hours

🔗 Sources Used

This blog is based on verified resources including:

• Suomi.fi
  
  

• Kanta.fi
  
  

• [ChatGPT] (for writing and formatting support)