Experts by Experience
Welcome to Niemikoti Foundation’s Expert by Experience Section
At the heart of our work is the person in recovery, with their hopes and goals. They are the ones who know best what everyday life and the full spectrum of mental health recovery are really like. In this section, in addition to the From Shadows to Light blog, you will find information about lived experience expertise, announcements of training opportunities, and news updates.
An expert by experience is a person who has personal experience of illness, disability, disorder, or addiction, and who has completed training to prepare for expert-by-experience roles. Read the full definition »
What kind of roles do experts by experience have at Niemikoti Foundation »
News & Updates
Application for Expert by Experience Training
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…
Urban farming, working together and Green Care – follow Santtu’s urban farming blog on Niilo
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.
On Connection
It is important for us to feel connected and to feel that we belong somewhere. A strong connection with ourselves, other people and nature helps bring balance to life. Belonging is a fundamental human need that supports well-being and helps us flourish.
Sirpa Sinisalo Graduates as a Work Supervisor – “It’s Worth Pursuing Your Dreams”
Niemikotisäätiö’s Experience Coordinator Sirpa Sinisalo has reached a significant milestone: she has graduated as a work supervisor from MIELI Mental Health Finland’s volunteer work supervision training programme. The three-year programme ran…
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.
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.