Mental health and Wellbeing – focus on homeless and underprivileged populations

THE FIRST DAY

We started with coffee and music and after that the first Key note Lecture by Sakari Kainulainen was very interesting. The theme was Poverty in Welfare State. First he told that before we thought as a traditional way that Poverty means only that you don't have money, but today it`s not only the lack of money, it is also the lack of interaction, narrower possibilities to act and lack of knowledge on services.There are many causes of poverty, it can be structural, institutional, relationship and also personal causes. Today many young people suffer for poverty. Foreign youngsters are in bigger risk to exclude. There are many reasons for example they don't have any degree/exam, no studying, no job, poor ability to work and act. The reason can also be learned helpless, drug addicts and alcohol. Then he told something about loneliness: In every society we need each other is really truth today and maybe even more important in the future.

"Without friends no one would want to live, even if he had all other goods" (Aristotle)

The second Key note Lecture was Finnish Central Association for Mental Health and rehabilitation model. Heini Kapanen told us about the empowerment coaching – peer support, hope and practical knowledge for work and school. One special tool was the dream map and key for changes.

"Each and every one"

Then Päivi Rissanen, experience expert, told us very, very special story of her own life. She has serious mental health problems and was in hospital. 

Then one question woke her up "Do you want to stay the rest of your life in hospital". Her affect healing helps methods: a discussion, 

a connection between two real persons, mutual respect, trust, concern and understanding and a self-reflection, own space and other persons to help.

"Dreams can come true"

THE SECOND DAY

I liked a lot of prayer in the chapel Diak in the morning by Jouko Porkka. It gave me a peace throughout the whole day. Day consists mainly of group work and was different from the previous day. I got a lot of new information and I am grateful for this opportunity.

Who am I?

Sari Listovaara-Laine, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Master of Social Services