At Niemikotisäätiö’s Mieli Töihin unit, systematic work has long been carried out to promote digital inclusion. Digital participation cannot be taken for granted, and for many people, using everyday services, devices, and applications requires support. At the Mieli Töihin unit, this need is addressed in a practical way—through courses, device guidance, and one-to-one support.
The unit also keeps careful records of the type and amount of support provided. These statistics offer a concrete picture of the scope of the work and the diverse digital support needs people encounter in everyday life.
Dozens of Clients and Hundreds of Support Sessions
According to the statistics, digital support has reached 76 individual clients, and 98 feedback responses have been collected. Customer satisfaction is exceptionally high: the service has received an average rating of 4.96 out of 5, and the unit’s activities have achieved a 100% recommendation rate. This reflects not only the quality of the support, but also the fact that clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and helped.
A total of 119 guidance sessions have been provided, along with 70 support visits related to device maintenance. This is not about occasional advice, but ongoing, everyday-oriented work embedded in people’s daily lives.
Support for Devices and Operating Systems
Digital support has covered a wide range of devices. The most commonly supported devices have been:
- laptops
- smartphones
- desktop computers and tablets
- in individual cases, printers and other peripheral devices
The most common operating systems have been Windows and Android, but support has also been provided in iOS, Linux, Chrome OS, and macOS environments. This demonstrates that the support is not tied to a single device or software solution, but starts from the client’s own everyday reality and the tools they use.
Guidance That Meets Real-Life Needs
The topics covered in guidance sessions vary widely, but focus on issues essential for smooth everyday life. Most support has been provided for:
- using applications and services (such as banking and public authority services)
- email and online banking
- operating systems and updates
- file management, printing, and scanning
- information security and safe use of devices
In addition, support has been given for purchasing new devices, configuring settings, and resolving problem situations. In many cases, even small amounts of help have been crucial in enabling clients to continue using digital services independently.selvittämiseen. Monessa tilanteessa pienikin apu on ollut ratkaisevaa sille, että asiakas on voinut jatkaa digitaalisten palveluiden käyttöä itsenäisesti.
Maintenance, Updates, and Practical Help
In terms of maintenance, the most common tasks have included device setup, operating system updates, software installations and removals, and device cleaning. When needed, backups, virus scans, and operating system reinstallations have also been carried out.
Some situations have been very concrete and closely tied to everyday life—for example, clearing an old device and safely decommissioning it, or assessing the condition of a slow computer and providing recommendations for next steps.
Peer Support at the Core of the Work
A particularly significant aspect of the Mieli Töihin unit’s digital support is that most of it is delivered as peer support. The support is not just technical advice, but also about meeting people, listening, and working together. Peer-based support lowers the threshold for asking for help and strengthens clients’ own agency and learning.
At its best, digital inclusion is exactly this: the opportunity to participate, learn, and remain part of a digital society on one’s own terms.
