Meet Lapinlahti people: Miia Pikulinsky
This time on ‘Meet Lapinlahti people’, we meet Miia Pikulinsky, the project manager of the Pro Lapinlahti Mental Health Association’s crisis support activities, which are due to launch at the end of the summer. Initially operating as Toivon Lähde (Source of Hope), the project will gradually expand to provide support for adults experiencing various life crises with the help of trained volunteers.
“It’s fascinating and wonderful. I have come to a place that is very different to anywhere I have been before. I had visited Lapinlahti a few times before, but I didn’t fully understand everything it had to offer. Now, after four weeks of work, I’m slowly beginning to see how many opportunities there are here,’ says Miia Pikulinsky, describing her impressions.
Miia, who was appointed project manager for the Lapinlahti crisis response activities at the end of spring, had previously worked at the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters for a total of 25 years. During her final years there, she specialised in child-centred substance abuse work.
“I am part of something new, and I have a curious mind. The old has now come to a close, and I am excited to see what the new will bring. I am fascinated by the formation of a new unit, an area in which I also have experience. I have always worked with vulnerable people. Previously, I worked more with family rehabilitation, providing long-term assistance.”
“Many aspects of the project may still change. There may be a need to conduct trials and make adjustments. Many volunteers are involved, and it will be interesting to work with them to build the crisis centre and see what we can achieve. However, securing ongoing funding for the crisis centre is the key challenge.”
“Many people in Helsinki lack a social support network and are lonely. When they experience setbacks, they need a place where they can relax, meet kind people and regain hope for the future. We have a clear message for them: ‘Don’t stay alone with your worries – support from others is available.’ Our current goal is to open the crisis centre gradually by the end of the summer. In the longer term, it will also be possible to stay there overnight to recover.”
Miia says she loves the slogan ‘Kaikkien Lapinlahti’ (Lapinlahti for everyone). “It’s been really easy for me, as a new employee, to settle in at Lapinlahti. The people here are friendly and helpful. We work well together and everyone plays their part. Sometimes it seems as if things just flow smoothly. For example, the Helsinki Day events at Lapinlahden Lähde ended up going really well, despite the rainy weather causing various challenges during the day.”
“I am not yet very familiar with the political controversies surrounding the future of Lapinlahti. However, I hope that our decision-makers will make sensible choices to ensure that Lapinlahti remains a place of calm and relaxation for everyone, as well as a home for Pro Lapinlahti and, eventually, a 24-hour crisis centre. Lapinlahti improves the well-being of all city residents. That’s just how it is,” concludes Miia.