HELMI is a Clients Organization founded in Finland in 1983 by a
group of users of mental health services.
We have valuable experience of dealing with mental disorders or conditions
of emotional distress. Nevertheless, we also have an abundance of experience in how problems can be solved. Politically and religiusly HELMI is non-aligned, but in terms of legal and social advocacy Helmi is an active NGO(Non-govermental Organization).
HELMI wants to attack prejudices held against psychiatric patients and those who are not in the mainstream of society. Human rights, human dignity and social justice are keywords in Helmi.
HELMI aims:
- to involve users and ex-users with as experts in development care and treatment
- to encourage and involve users in decision making
- to inform people about psychosocial problems and their origin and to change attitudes and eradicate dehumanising practices
- to work for preventive mental health care;
- to fight social injustices - oppression, competition, exploitation of human needs
- to support those we live with, to care for each other, have patience and understanding to work towards everyone having a home, a job access to cultural amenities - without discrimination
Activities in short:
- Member Houses
- study circles
- workgroups
- self-help groups
- networking
- seminars
- inexpensive lunch
- holidays
- lobbying
- campaigns
- voluntary workers run listening phoneline every weekend
- social advocacy
HELMI has about 1000 members. The board consists of users and ex-users of psychiatric services.
The Member Houses
1. The Pasila Member House is open during all the week and an inexpensive lunch is served every day.
2. Different groups which offer discussion, social relations training and other activities meet on a daily basis. All groups are voluntary and open
to all members. Persons responsible for the functioning of the groups are
for the most part members.
3. The Siilitie Member House is an Hure-oriented and it is open from Monday to Friday.
4. The Member Houses do not offer therapy but provide an opportunity for
members to take part in various activities and to get support from others.
A member committee decides on issues related to the use of the Member
House and its services.
