Nea Mäkinen, a Bachelor of Social Services, knew how to apply for jobs. Even so, finding a suitable position proved difficult. At the Niemikoti Foundation’s Valtti Coaching service, she gained new perspectives on job hunting and, above all, someone to explore her options with.
Niemikoti Foundation’s 2026 lived experience expert training programme culminated in a graduation celebration at Kesäharju on 9 October. The training emphasises learning together, discovering personal strengths and finding opportunities to influence society.
Throughout the year, Niemikotisäätiö’s day activities organise themed events that strengthen the sense of community. This time, the celebrations also featured Kekri, a traditional Finnish harvest festival marking the end of the agricultural year.
Participation is not simply about taking part in activities that have already been planned. Service users should have the opportunity to influence their own everyday lives and participate in the planning and development of services.
Niemikotisäätiö participated in the international European Conference on Mental Health (ECMH) in Prague with several presentations. This year, our peer activities and expert-by-experience training were also featured in a presentation of their own.
Niemikotisäätiö got visited by Yusuke Tanaka, a Health Sciences student from the University of Tokyo. Tanaka had first been in contact with the foundation in early July, expressing his interest to learn more about Finland’s community-based mental health services and Niemikotisäätiö’s supported housing. The purpose of the visit was to gather background information for his research.
Niemikoti Foundation will once again participate in the international European Conference on Mental Health (ECMH). This year, we will contribute to the programme with three presentations as well as the Project Speed Dating sessions, which aim to foster international collaboration.
The 10th Expert by Experience Training is Starting! Do You Want to Become an Expert by Experience? Do you have personal experience of mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or other…
What happens when a small seedling is planted in a field at the beginning of summer and cared for together, week after week? Santu’s urban farming blog takes readers along on this journey.
The final episode brings together the central message of the Kokeneet podcast. At the heart of mental health work are still human connection, trust and working together.
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