Kokeneet (meaning “the experienced ones”) is a podcast series in which long-serving employees of Niemikotisäätiö reflect on their careers and the development of mental health work over the decades. The series explores experiences of the transition away from institutional care, the development of community-based rehabilitation and the growing role of recovery-oriented approaches – in other words, how mental health work has evolved from the 1980s to the present day.
The discussions feature Arja, Lisbeth, Tarja A, Tarja I and Tiina, who have been involved in developing Niemikotisäätiö’s activities since the 1980s. The series is hosted by communications specialist Katja Lampela.
As usual, the song Yhdessä provides the music for our Yhdessä podcast. Its lyrics were created from texts written by service users for Niemikotisäätiö’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2023, where it was performed by a band made up of service users and staff. Listen to the full Yhdessä song here >
The second episode of the Kokeneet podcast focuses on responsibility – how service users have been given responsibility, how trust has been built, and the role participation has played in recovery.
Arja, Lisbeth, Tarja A, Tarja I and Tiina look back on everyday life in work and daytime activities, the development of a community-based approach, and a time when many people who had spent years in psychiatric hospitals were taking their first steps towards a more independent life.
The episode also explores how the service user population has changed, the impact of substance use on mental health work, the strengthening of service users’ role and rights, and how changes in society and technology have shaped everyday work over the decades.
Although the operating environment has changed, one principle has remained: recovery is best supported when people have the opportunity to participate, have a say and take responsibility for their own lives.
Please note: The Kokeneet podcast is available in Finnish only. This page provides an English summary of the episode.
