People at Lähde: Meleena Mailand

This time in the People at Lähde series, we meet Meleena Mailand, who works as a Communications Specialist at MIITTI, a service run by the Pro Lapinlahti Mental Health Association. Originally from Denmark, Meleena has lived in Helsinki since 2018. Lapinlahti became part of her life through her work, and over the years, the place that made a strong impression on her during her very first visit has become much more than just a workplace.

From Copenhagen to Helsinki

Meleena tells that she first visited Finland when she was in her early twenties. She grew up in Denmark, but an arts project took her to Iceland, where she met her wife. At the time, Meleena was still living in Copenhagen and her partner in Helsinki. For a while, they travelled back and forth between Finland and Denmark, until in 2018 they decided to settle in Helsinki.

Meleena finds the pace of life in Helsinki considerably slower compared to Copenhagen.

“The pace of life in Helsinki is much slower compared to Copenhagen, and it fits my introverted, sensitive personality much better.”

First encounter with Lapinlahti

Lapinlahti came into Meleena’s life through her job at the time when she was looking for a direction after numerous burnouts.  In Finland, she received support through healthcare to help her get back on her feet, and at the same time she was told about a place that could offer a different kind of environment for finding her own direction.

“The person who was helping me work through my situation knew about Lapinlahti and thought it would be the perfect place for me to find my footing, and she was absolutely right!”

Meleena says that her first visit to Lapinlahti immediately made a strong impression on her. She was amazed that not everyone in Helsinki knew that such a wonderful place existed.

“When I first visited, I was shocked that a beautiful place like that could exist without everyone in Helsinki knowing about it and wanting to spend all their free time here!”

Everyday work at Lapinlahti

Meleena works as a Communications Specialist for the MIITTI project at Lapinlahden Lähde. MIITTI organises group activities and events for people who have moved to Helsinki from abroad, offering opportunities for people to meet and network while helping to prevent loneliness and the stigma associated with it.

Meleena is responsible for all of MIITTI’s communications and social media. Her tasks include the planning and creation of graphic content, multichannel event marketing and publishing content on different platforms, filming and photographing events, as well as developing new ways to reach and engage people online.

Lapinlahti as a workplace

Meleena considers Lapinlahti a safe and welcoming workplace, and she feels very fortunate to be able to work in such an environment. Lapinlahti attracts many different kinds of people, and according to Meleena, one of her favourite parts of the job is being able to talk with people from all over the world.

Lapinlahti’s peaceful and beautiful surroundings are also an important part of Meleena’s working day, and she enjoys coming to work early in the morning, before everyone else has arrived.

“I usually arrive to work early in the morning when the place is still empty, and it’s so amazing every morning to see the scenery change with the seasons and experience the silence in the middle of the city.”

Everyone is welcome in the Lapinlahti community

At Lapinlahti, you do not have to specifically look for a way into the community; you become part of it almost without noticing – everyone is welcome just as they are. Perhaps this is one of the things that makes Lapinlahti and its community so special.

Meleena says that she used to think that finding a community and a sense of belonging was difficult or challenging. Since coming to Lapinlahti, she has discovered that this is not the case.

“Just existing in Lapinlahti you can’t help but ‘stumble’ into the community and a sense of togetherness, it’s open and welcoming, and there for everyone to join.”

Like a second home

For Meleena Lapinlahti is not just a workplace; it has become an important part of her life. She says that she gladly takes every opportunity to share Lapinlahti’s surroundings and atmosphere with the people close to her.

“To me, Lapinlahti is a place of so much safety and beauty. Despite it being my place of work, whenever I have friends or family visiting from back home, I take them here.”

Life outside Lapinlahti is full of creative activities

Outside of work, Meleena enjoys spending time with family and friends and all kinds of creative activities, such as photography – she also reads a lot. On top of writing, drawing and painting she has become interested in knitting and sewing and says that she is gradually filling her wardrobe with clothes she has made herself.

Lapinlahti deserves to be seen

Meleena believes that one of Lapinlahti’s biggest challenges is that the place is still relatively unknown, even though a lot of work is being done to increase awareness. However, she sees it as a positive development that EU-level institutions have gradually begun to notice Lapinlahti and show interest in its activities.

Strengthening collaboration and connections could make a huge difference and help increase awareness of Lapinlahti at a national level. Meleena hopes that Lapinlahti’s history and nature will be preserved.

“I would like to see the history and nature preserved, it makes such a difference for the city to have accessible, communal places like this where you can just come and breathe.”

Lapinlahti in one sentence

At the end of the interview, I ask Meleena to describe Lapinlahti in one sentence. Her words capture what Lapinlahti means to her:

”Lapinlahden Lähde is a hidden gem that is open for everyone, and unique in its ability to foster culture and community.”

Text: Taana Tallberg
Main photo: Saara Mailand