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 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.
The episode reflects on the final stages of a long career and what decades of working in mental health leave with a person. Retirement brings many different thoughts and emotions, but one thing unites all the participants: their work has been much more than a profession. It has been a way of life, a community and an attitude that stays with them even after their working careers come to an end. Long-standing relationships – with both service users and colleagues – continue to have meaning for years to come.
The work and its terminology change, new generations bring new perspectives, and society continues to evolve, but the human need to be seen and heard remains. It is a message that connects the past with the future.
Please note: The Kokeneet podcast is available in Finnish only. This page provides an English summary of the episode.
