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

At the autumn 2026 Sohvalive event, we will watch together short documentaries produced as part of our VOIMA project, focusing on loneliness, isolation and mental health.

Autumn 2026 Sohvalive: When the World Shrinks – Perspectives on Loneliness and Withdrawal (in Finnish)

During the Sohvalive online event on 8 December 2026 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, we will watch two short documentaries (in Finnish) together, followed by a discussion of the themes they raise.

• In the short documentary Rauhassa rikki (Broken in Peace), Mia shares her family’s story and how her life changed as a result of her daughter’s self-destructive behaviour.
  
  
• The short documentary Kammio (The Chamber) portrays the downward spiral triggered by Anne-Marie’s illness. As a result, loneliness began to dominate her life, and her home became a chamber that isolated her from the outside world.

Welcome to watch the documentaries and join this free, open discussion event.

Joining the discussion are lived-experience expert Anne-Marie, FinFami Executive Director Tiina Puranen, and psychologist Oskari Magga. The event will be hosted by Kimmo Ohtonen.

The participation link will be added to this page soon.

Watch recordings of previous Sohvalive online events

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

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.

You can watch the recording via this link. 

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 from SetlementtiTampere’s “Verkkoon kadonneet” project, and Maria Lähteenmäki, Head of Loneliness Work at HelsinkiMission. The discussion will be hosted by Kimmo Ohtonen.

You can watch the recording via this link. 

Carers’ Week events 

25 November 2025 at 17.00–18.00 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. Sitting on the sofa are a caregiver of neurodivergent children, occupational therapist Aino Kokko, social wellbeing planner Teija Matalamäki from the Western Finland District of the Finnish Red Cross, and support helpline responder Eeva-Liisa Breilin from the Alzheimer Society of Finland. The event is hosted by Kimmo Ohtonen.

You can watch the recording via this link.

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. 

You can watch the recording via this link (in Finnish).

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