Promote Healthy Aging in Finland

A recent survey by the Blue Ribbon Association reveals that more than half of Pilke peer group members say they have reduced their excessive alcohol consumption thanks to group activities, and almost all feel that Pilke activities have improved their well-being. “The peer group has been absolutely wonderful. I have also made new friends.”

Pilke groups are intended for people over 60 who use substances harmfully. Pilke peer groups, led by professionals, are organized by welfare areas, organizations, parishes and foundations.

The survey was conducted for the third time, and 105 Pilke group members from seven welfare areas responded. Most of the respondents were aged 66–84.

“It is great to see that excessive alcohol use has decreased for the third year in a row. According to forecasts, there will be up to half a million elderly people in need of substance abuse services in Finland by 2030. We need effective and cost-effective solutions,” says Anna-Leena Nikula, developer of substance abuse work for the elderly at the Blue Ribbon Association.

Pilke activities do not only affect substance use – it also brings people together.

More than half of the respondents said that their experience of loneliness had decreased as a result of participating in the group. In addition, almost all of the respondents felt that Pilke activities had a positive impact on their own well-being.

“I think the peer group has been absolutely wonderful. It has been nice to get out of the house regularly. I have made new friends and I feel like I belong to an important group,” says one Pilke group member.

“I get to speak openly and honestly. I feel that I am listened to and respected. Individual conversations also support me mentally,” says another Pilke group member.

“I get to be myself and that feels good. My general education has increased significantly. It is now easier to pick up my self-esteem in pieces from the floor,” says a third Pilke group member.

Thank you for your support to this life transforming work!

The Leppälintu Association’s community center is located in Veikkola, Finland – a small municipality with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. Veikkola carries various stigmas; among other things, it is sometimes referred to as a “drunkards' village.” Yet there is a clear and growing need for support and assistance, as the number of cases involving substance use and mental health issues is rising significantly. 

The association’s staff provide multifaceted support to the people of Veikkola. They offer advice for everyday problems, organize help, run errands, accompany individuals to the supermarket or medical appointments when needed, and assist with technical issues – such as using a mobile phone. Support with banking matters is also in high demand, as many of these services are now only accessible online. However, many residents of Veikkola neither own a smartphone nor have the skills to use digital services independently. 

“The key is to be present in the moment,” emphasizes the director. The office door is rarely closed – and never locked. “It’s important to truly be there and listen to people in the moment.”

Most visitors to the community center in Veikkola are single individuals without family support, often struggling with deep loneliness. For them, the center has become a place of belonging – often even a surrogate family. Around 20 to 30 people visit daily, many of whom are dealing with alcohol or other drug addiction. Some still use substances, while others have reduced or completely stopped their use. In many cases, substance abuse is accompanied by mental health challenges.

A central principle of the center is: drug use stays outside. “We don’t demand complete abstinence, but we support it in every way we can. Not everyone gives up drugs – but many reduce their use once they start coming here.”

The center opens its doors every morning at 7 a.m. From Monday to Friday, Veikkola welcomes all those seeking support or simply companionship. Some people come every day – some even multiple times a day. “Almost all of our visitors are lonely,” staff say. “Sometimes all it takes is a joyful laugh to make someone feel better.”

In Veikkola, people care for one another – they share their worries, fears, and everyday struggles openly with the staff. The foundation for this is a relationship built on trust, shaped by genuine human encounters. The most important rule: even difficult topics should always be discussed openly and confidentially.

“It is absolutely essential that meeting places are located where the people actually are,” explains one staff member. “Can you imagine our people taking a bus every day to a facility far away? That’s simply not realistic. Many wouldn’t even be able to afford a bus ticket.”

Thanks to your loyal support and generosity, this valuable project is able to make a real difference! Life doesn’t always follow a straight or predictable path. That’s why places like this community center in Veikkola are so important: where people are welcomed with open arms and receive practical support in their everyday lives.

Your support brings hope and enables everyday assistance for people in need – THANK YOU! <3