Autumn discussion events increase understanding and provide support for everyday life and work

In autumn 2025, we will be hosting three ‘Sohvalive’ online events and participating in a family carer seminar in our role as the chair of the Finnish network of family carers (Suomen omaishoitajien verkosto). 

The free-of-charge events open to all will delve into the themes of loneliness, stress in social situations, anxiety, withdrawal and the ability of family carers to cope in their daily life.

Discussing stress and withdrawal in social situations

10 October 2025 at 18–19.30 Sohvalive: When your heart is beating fast – understanding social anxiety (in Finnish)

On World Mental Health Day, experts that know the ins and outs of the topic sit down on sofas to discuss stress and anxiety in social situations. Being able to employ means to control stress in social situations reduces loneliness and supports mental wellbeing. Come along and gain some insight for use in your daily life or work.

Discussion participants include experience expert Nina Evola, psychologist/psychotherapist Reetta Bourgha, client worker Lotta Dallyn from Nettiturvis, and team leader Joosua Valkeakunnas from Sekasin Gaming. Sohvalive is hosted by Anja Saksola, digital support expert at the Red Cross.
The participant link will be updated on this page during September 2025.

You have the opportunity to register in advance, in which case you will receive the participation link directly to your email. You can access the registration form here.

28 October 2025 at 18.00–19.30 Sohvalive: Listening from behind the door – views on social withdrawal (in Finnish)

The second ‘Sohvalive’ event in October features stories from the Komero (closet) online community, which brings socially withdrawn adults together. Social withdrawal is a poorly known and often misunderstood phenomenon. What happens right before someone withdraws? How can we prevent exclusion as individuals, communities and as a society? What kind of a community does a withdrawn person need? 

The discussion features author Antti Rönkä, who has written personal novels on the topic, Ville Manninen/Ville Asikainen from SetlementtiTampere’s “Verkkoon kadonneet” project, and Maria Lähteenmäki, Head of Loneliness Work at HelsinkiMission. The discussion will be hosted by Kimmo Ohtonen.

The participation link will be updated on this page.

You have the opportunity to register in advance, in which case you will receive the participation link directly to your email. You can access the registration form here.

Carers’ Week events 

25 November 2025 at 17.00–18.30 Sohvalive: Loneliness and family carers – views on family carer loneliness (in Finnish)

In the last week of November, we honour national Carers’ Week. In the ‘Sohvalive’ event, we examine the loneliness experienced by family carers from various viewpoints through discussions with experts.

Further information about the event will be updated on this page.

27 November 2025 at 13.00–14.30 Seminar: How to support employees caring for their loved one (in Finnish)

The seminar will examine the experiences of employed family carers and the solutions that enable employers to better support family carers. The seminar, held at the Finnish Federation for Social Affairs and Health premises and online, is arranged by the national family carer network in Finland (Suomen omaishoidon valtakunnallinen verkosto), which is chaired by the Red Cross. 

A more detailed programme and the registration form can be found here (content in Finnish).