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.
During the week, the participants explored a wide range of local approaches that emphasised community, inclusion and hands-on job coaching. One of the sites visited was Rebonds!, an organisation that supports the wellbeing and employability of young adults through physical activity. The approach stood out for its practicality—participation was active and physical, while also strongly fostering a sense of community.
A particularly impressive example was the La Bouillonante community centre, which had been developed based on the needs of local residents. The centre combines a café, courses, arts, digital skills and everyday services. Community spirit was genuinely embedded in its activities: rather than being separate, the services were closely connected to people’s daily lives and needs.
La Fabrique Solidaire de Minimes also provided valuable perspectives on social and professional inclusion. Discussions with French professionals highlighted cultural differences, but also shared challenges in supporting people into employment. A common understanding emerged around the importance of individualised support and walking alongside people in their everyday lives.
The week also included exposure to different forms of job coaching, many of which closely resembled Finnish models. These similarities reinforced the idea that solutions to common challenges are being developed in parallel across countries—albeit with slightly different emphases.
The study visit offered new ideas for everyday work and strengthened international networks. It also served as a reminder that impactful work is often built on simple things: encounters, inclusion, and opportunities to try, learn and grow.
The group returned from Toulouse to Finland enriched with new experiences—and with collaboration further strengthened.
