Mielen Association

Mielen ry is a nonprofit and socially responsible association representing the third sector. We are an expert organisation on mental wellbeing. We provide services for individuals recovering from mental health disorders and addictions, as well as open activities for all to support recovery, positive mental health, and well-being. We actively participate in and look for new development projects.

Our organization was founded in 1991. Currently, the association operates in three cities: Tampere, Ylöjärvi, and Pirkkala, serving clients from the entire Pirkanmaa region.

Our activities include supported accommodation, social rehabilitation, rehabilitative work activities, employment services, family work, and open, low-threshold activities such as group and educational offerings. We work in close collaboration with the public sector.

Values

Hope

  • We believe in possibilities and trust one another.
  • We understand that hope exists here and now—there is space for dreams in everyday life.
  • We recognize the good and see solutions instead of problems.

Inclusion

  • We value each other and treat everyone equally.
  • We are experts in our own lives, and our actions have meaning.
  • Everyone has the opportunity to influence and be heard.

Renewal

  • We encourage innovation and seek out strengths.
  • We accept mistakes and learn from them.
  • We evolve together.

Joy

  • A positive mindset helps us succeed.
  • A smooth everyday life leads to new opportunities.
  • We spread joy.

Recovery Orientation

The association’s framework is based on the recovery orientation, which provides a shared value base for all activities. This approach aims to support individuals in achieving and maintaining a meaningful and fulfilling life, despite illness and its symptoms.

Recovery orientation is about human rights, inclusion, and dignity. Simply focusing on symptoms and their elimination is not enough and does not guarantee long-term impact. A shift in attitudes, a resource-focused perspective, and a supportive network—both within and beyond services—are needed.

We respect human dignity and individuality. Our work is based on partnerships with our clients and networks, and we operate on an ethically sustainable foundation, listening to their expectations and wishes.

Strategy

Mielen ry serves as a guide to mental well-being and recovery for its clients, providing a space for growth toward a meaningful life. We are a social advocate, always standing by those in vulnerable positions. Everyone can come to us with confidence, knowing that they are welcome and will be met as they are. Every individual’s contribution to the common good is valuable.

Mielen ry:n tunnus voikukka.

We strive to strengthen the role of lived experience and peer expertise in society.

Mielen ry upholds key principles such as environmental responsibility, nature-based well-being, and cultural inclusion. The association follows the Ekokomassi environmental program, steered by a dedicated sustainability working group. Employees and clients actively participate in sustainability efforts.

We work to ensure that the experiences offered by culture and nature are accessible to everyone. Our operations are not driven by financial profit.

The symbol of Mielen ry is the dandelion — despite its reputation as a weed, it is an essential pollinator plant and highly beneficial within the ecosystem.

Responsibility

Mielen ry has been awarded the Ekokompassi environmental certification.

All Mielen ry activities follow the principles of safer spaces to ensure an inclusive and respectful environment.

Finances

Mielen ry’s income consists of purchased services and grants. As a nonprofit organization, we do not generate profit and manage our finances responsibly and sustainably.

Services related to housing and employment promotion are provided through purchased service agreements. The Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA) and the Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County (Pirha) grant annual funding for Mielen Avoin Opisto (Recovery College) and Avoin Paja Inspis. Additional funding for projects comes from sources such as STEA, the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI), and EU programs.