By Anne Babb | General Secretary
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!
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
