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 >
In the first episode of the Kokeneet podcast, we return to the 1980s, a time when mental health care in Finland was undergoing major change. The number of psychiatric hospital beds was reduced, and people moved from long-term institutional care to living and receiving rehabilitation as part of the wider community.
Arja, Lisbeth, Tarja A, Tarja I and Tiina look back on Niemikotisäätiö’s early years, the first rehabilitation homes, the launch of work and daytime activities, and the development of a community-based approach. The episode also features stories from everyday life at the work centres, trips taken together, a strong spirit of cooperation, and how trust, participation and people’s own strengths have been at the heart of Niemikotisäätiö’s work from the very beginning.
The episode offers a unique glimpse into a period when the direction of mental health rehabilitation in Finland changed permanently.
Please note: The Kokeneet podcast is available in Finnish only. This page provides an English summary of the episode.
