Meet Lapinlahti people: Veera

In my studies to be a bachelor of Social Services I was able to do my internship at Lapinlahden Lähde, Pro Lapinlahti mental health association.

I got interested in the diverse events and beautiful environment of Lapinlahti. I wanted to join the activities, and learn about work that assists mental wellbeing. In Lapinlahti, I have been able to take part in many different kinds of events and groups, met wonderful and interesting people, and guide groups.

I have guided mental well-being promoting art groups, organised Kohtaamisten Kahvipöytä (Coffee table of meetings), lead Asahi in the garden, been in the group planning summer events, and created a well being path in Lapinlahti park. The work community has been extraordinarily warm and supportive, and it feels like everyone’s input is appreciated. It has been wonderful to spend time in nice company, in a nice environment, getting inspired from the variety of activities.

As a part of my internship I also carried out a feedback questionnaire about the event and service selection in Lapinlahti. In the questionnaire people were i.e. asked to describe the meaning of Lapinlahti and its effects on their own wellbeing. Many of the respondents said that Lapinlahti is a place that is calming, refreshing, relaxing, invigorating, and supports community. The effect of the natural environment was felt strongly as strengthening wellbeing. The environment of Lapinlahti was describes as open, welcoming, loneliness-reducing, and many of the respondents felt they were accepted as they are. The effects of art, culture and nature in wellbeing were considered significant. Lapinlahti was also described as a place that increases meetings between different people and age groups, and that enhances participation. Respondents felt that the activities in Lapinlahti made it possible for them to learn new things, support their everyday life, and increasing their resources. Meeting people and peer support were considered meaningful. The historical environment was also considered as a thing that supports wellbeing, and respondents felt that getting information and tips to help support their wellbeing was valuable.

The questionnaire also asked, where people find information about Lapinlahti events and services. The majority, 60% got their information through the internet, 35% through Facebook, 15% through Instagram, and 10% from the newsletter. 25% of respondents found the information in Lapinlahti / bulletin board / posters, and 10% in Helsingin Sanomat. 10% of respondents got information through people they know. As a suggestion for improvement people said that the communication should be clearer. Some respondents felt like the information is all over the place, and felt it was difficult to find information.

My experiences in leading groups, participating in events, working as a member of the community, as well as conversations with people about the feedback questionnaire have increased my respect for Lapinlahti. We need places where we can meet others, make things and get excited together, calm down, and be happy. We need communities, to feel valued and accepted. In my opinion, Lapinlahti facilitates all this, and more, which is why it is an important place. I wish that in the future I am able to be a part of the warm community of Lapinlahti, one way or another.

Katja Liuksiala

And pst… today, Wednesday, Veera is guiding our wellbeing path at 4 p.m, welcome. We meet at the front yard gate.