Together for Inclusion – Mieliteko 2.0

Less loneliness – more encounters

In the Together for Inclusion project, we support the mental well-being of 16–64-year-olds in Northern Savonia who are outside work or education, and strengthen their resources moving towards education and employment.

We are implementing three different types of group activities, focusing on everyday resources, social functioning, healthy lifestyles, as well as reducing loneliness. In addition, we are working with organizations and municipalities to develop new ways of implementing group activities that promote inclusion.

The Together for Inclusion project is part of the Mieliteko Program, which is based on research findings about the well-being of Northern Savonia residents. According to the National Health Index, Northern Savonia has higher rates of general illness and substance use compared to the rest of Finland. Mental well-being and work ability are particularly weaker, which manifests as loneliness, disability, and inequality.
Young people and those outside working life especially need practical, group-based support for everyday skills, resources, and healthy habits, as current services reach only a small portion of them.

The main implementer of the project is Savonia University of Applied Sciences, responsible for the Well-being Groups and overall coordination. Humak University of Applied Sciences is in charge of the Osallisix and Yksissä tuumin activities, bringing its expertise in promoting inclusion and community engagement.

Project objectives

1. Strengthen work ability, functional capacity, sobriety, and mental well-being among Northern Savonia residents.
2. Develop expertise in promoting mental well-being and inclusion in collaboration with networks.
3. Support citizen-led communities as a source of security for individuals – fostering personal resources, agency, and inclusion as pathways toward education and employment