Wellbeing is created through collaboration: Wellbeing and health promotion as a joint task for municipalities, organisations and the wellbeing services county

In her opening remarks at the seminar, Mia Laiho, Chair of the Wellbeing Services County Board, emphasised the importance of promoting wellbeing and health across the wellbeing services county and among its more than half a million residents. Laiho highlighted that collaboration between municipalities, organisations and the wellbeing services county is crucial. Municipal measures and services play a key role in promoting health and can help prevent more serious problems from developing. Physical activity and mental health promotion are core elements of wellbeing, and they can be strengthened through joint efforts by municipalities, organisations and the wellbeing services county.

The outcomes of the small-group work and discussions at the wellbeing and health seminar will be used in preparing the regional wellbeing plan for 2027–2030.

Working closely with municipalities and a broad range of partners, the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County has identified shared regional focus areas for promoting wellbeing and health. These include strengthening mental wellbeing, reducing wellbeing and health inequalities, supporting healthy lifestyles and promoting safety in everyday life. Progress in all these areas is further reinforced by fostering together a stronger sense of community and inclusion.

The panel discussion explored how regional wellbeing is evolving, what resources are available and which challenges are most pressing in our county. As municipalities differ from one another, collaboration also takes many forms.

“All parties need to share the mindset that each resident and their wellbeing are a joint responsibility. We are developing Olkkari activities so that every locality can put its own spin on them,” said Tuula Suominen, Service Area Director for Elderly Services.

The discussions highlighted that many older adults in our county are actively involved in organisations. It was also noted that by supporting others through voluntary activities, people are simultaneously supporting their own wellbeing.

“Organisations are not alone. It is encouraging to see the wellbeing services county taking concrete action and supporting organisations, as well as our shared efforts for the benefit of residents,” said Sini Felipe, Chair of the Future and Development Committee of the wellbeing services county.

Parishes also play an important role in reaching people who might not otherwise seek support or assistance elsewhere.

“In some municipalities, diaconal workers take part in our activities from time to time, which is truly wonderful,” said Hanna Parikka, project coordinator at the Espoo Mental Health Association EMY ry.

Commenting on collaboration structures, Parikka noted that regular meetings help raise awareness and that the association also shares information about the free, low-threshold activities offered by organisations. She thanked the municipalities for their collaboration, including activities organised for older adults to combat loneliness.

Building collaboration requires not only trust but also long-term, sustained work together with various stakeholders in the county.

“For example, we do not have facilities of our own. Instead, we have invested our resources in our activities. When it comes to facilities, we rely on support from municipalities and partners so that we can operate effectively and create the conditions needed to do this work for people. We act as the voice of those who cannot speak up for themselves,” Parikka said.

“We have received positive feedback from senior citizens on the wellbeing services county’s Olkkari activities, and the counselling service for older adults also seems interesting,” said Inka Tikkanen, Municipal Manager of Siuntio.

To illustrate the impact an individual can have on residents’ wellbeing, Tikkanen highlighted the work of Pami Karvonen, cantor at the Finnish-language parish in Siuntio. 

“Karvonen organises ‘sound therapy’. You are welcome to enter Siuntio Church and lie down,” Tikkanen said, referring to the well-received relaxation concept developed by Karvonen and therapist Tommi Sarlin, where participants are invited to rest in the church setting accompanied by music and meditation.

Among the positive wellbeing and health promotion themes, Tikkanen highlighted physical activity, a strong sense of community, humanity and the municipalities’ willingness to serve as a testbed for new initiatives.

In her remarks, Wellbeing Services County Director Sanna Svahn emphasised the importance of successful collaboration. She also referred to the honourable mention awarded by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) to the municipality of Siuntio last year in recognition of its outstanding wellbeing and health promotion efforts. The recognition was based on the fact that, for several years, wellbeing and health promotion work has been closely integrated into both operational and financial planning. In addition, clear metrics and key indicators have been established for objectives derived from wellbeing reports and plans.

Tikkanen also stressed the importance of identifying everyday situations. While a municipality may not be the first to notice an older person’s loneliness or sense of insecurity, these issues may be recognised by an organisation or the wellbeing services county. Solutions can then be developed together.

The small-group sessions focused on how to better support children, young people and families, with a particular emphasis on early prevention. Participants also discussed the need for smooth information sharing, stable and safe adults and the importance of inclusive environments. Schools were widely recognised as key drivers of health and wellbeing. Low-threshold opportunities, particularly non-goal-oriented hobbies, were seen as a practical way to boost everyday physical activity and encourage children and young people to be more active.

Participants also called for a more holistic, preventive approach to supporting healthy lifestyles in every client encounter across social and healthcare services. 

The discussions further highlighted the growing number of older adults and the importance of strengthening safety in everyday life. One key observation was the need to better recognise and prevent loneliness and psychological insecurity among older adults. A shared goal was to ensure close collaboration between municipalities and service providers in reaching older residents. 

“The seminar succeeded in fostering a genuine dialogue on collaboration, while also identifying concrete actions and good practices,” said Pilvi Österman, interface manager at the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County. “Municipalities also emphasised the importance of working closely with the wellbeing services county to promote health and wellbeing.”