20.04.2026 • Minna Tikka-Lapveteläinen

Work itself is the best mental health act

Finland’s mental footprint is large. Over 100,000 people receive disability pension due to mental health problems. In addition, we lose 17 million working days a year due to mental health reasons. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), poor mental health costs Finland 11 billion euros per year. Of that figure, the labour market’s share is as much as 4.7 billion euros.

07.04.2026 • Sirpa Sinisalo

The Formula of Happiness

Have you ever thought that you would be happier if you had a better job, a nicer home, or a prestigious title? According to organizational psychologist and psychotherapist Annamari Heikkilä, you wouldn’t, because happiness does not come from external circumstances. Happiness comes from doing things that are meaningful to us.

30.03.2026 • Niemikotisäätiön viestintä

New Environmental Themes to Be Launched at Environmental Event

Niemikotisäätiö, taking the environment into account is a central part of daily work. This work is now being strengthened with renewed environmental and wellbeing themes, which change monthly and bring practical ways to promote sustainable wellbeing in everyday life. The new themes will be launched at an environmental event held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Malmi Day Activity Centre.

23.03.2026 • Niemikotisäätiön viestintä

Study Visit to Toulouse Brought New Ideas and Strengthened Collaboration

Satu Rintala, Lead Instructor at Niemikotisäätiö’s Otsonpolku, and Emma Heikkinen, Lead Instructor at Valtti Valmennus, participated in an international study visit to Toulouse, France in February together with Finnish partner organisations. The visit was part of an Erasmus-funded collaboration between the Sosped Foundation and the French organisation UFCV, focusing on supporting people with significant barriers to employment in finding their way into working life.

The Niemikoti Foundation provides client-oriented and professional social psychiatric rehabilitation and preventive mental health services for working-age mental health recoverees in Helsinki. Our work promotes the well-being of society in a responsible, long-term, and non-profit manner.

A blue logo featuring the text "SOCIAL ENTERPRISE" with a registered trademark symbol.


Guided by Recovery Orientation

A meaningful life is possible even after the onset of a long-term mental illness. We support our service users in actively taking part in decision-making. Together, we aim to inspire hope and support each person on their journey toward a life that reflects their own values and aspirations.

A Multidisciplinary Expert Team

With the help of our professionals in the mental health, substance abuse, and social care fields, the users of our services receive high-quality support for everyday challenges. We pay close attention to our employees’ well-being, motivation to develop, and sense of employer responsibility. The average length of employment with us is over 10 years.

The Goal: Active and Participating Community Members

Through participation and community involvement, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of problems and reduce the need for intensive services. A healthy and active person is a resource both for themselves and for society. Trained experts by experience, peer facilitators, and peer support are also an important resource in our own activities.

No One Should Have to Cope Alone

Nuori nainen katsoo mietteliäänä ikkunasta ulos, pitäen kädessään kuppia ja vieressään pehmolelu.
service users
employees
service units

Our Guiding Principles

  • Recovery-oriented and client-focused
  • Equality and safety
  • Individuality and community
  • Creativity and flexibility
  • Warmth and care
  • Relaxed and approachable
  • Safety and trustworthiness
  • Co-creation with service users

Learn more about our activities