At the City of Helsinki, we want to promote the wellbeing of older residents in many different ways. One of the service families designed for this purpose is mental health support services for older people.
Mostly free of charge, these services offer peer support and rehabilitation for pensioners who need help with their mental wellbeing. The most common reasons for seeking support are low mood or substance use. These services focus on everyday support and recovery, while any actual treatment for an illness is provided at a health station or a substance abuse clinic, for example.
Retirement, reduced functional ability and experiences of loneliness affect everyday life differently for pensioners than for working-age people. It can be easier for those in a similar life situation to connect and share experiences. That’s why it’s important for pensioners to have access to services that are designed especially for them. You can join without a referral, either by contacting us directly or through your designated worker – the key is your own interest and willingness to get involved.
“Developing mental health support services for older people and embedding them in the activities of senior centres has been long-term work carried out together with clients and professionals. The key idea has been that mental wellbeing can and should be supported in retirement too – it is never too late to find hope and a new direction in life,” says Project Manager Maarit Ajalin.
In practice, the development work has involved creating and testing new services, training staff and gathering client experiences to guide improvements. Hundreds of retired Helsinki residents have taken part in mental health support services for older people, and according to feedback, most have experienced an improvement in their mood. Many clients with substance use issues have also reported that their use has decreased and their everyday life has become more balanced.
“It’s always impressive to see how peer support and help at the right time can turn a person’s life around. As one pensioner from the Toivo peer support group described the change: ‘I’m more optimistic about the future – I now see a light at the end of the tunnel.’”
The Tsemppi social rehabilitation service provides home-based support for mental health or substance use challenges. In Tsemppi, each rehabilitee sets their own goals and receives guidance from an instructor to help achieve them. Tsemppi is part of service centre activities and is completely free of charge. Earlier this year, Tsemppi won the national Good Practice 2025 competition organised by Talentia, which highlights effective and well-regarded practices in the social welfare sector.
“You literally pulled me out of bed and back to life. What I’ll remember most is your kindness and positivity. I hope others in need of help get the same opportunity.”
– A Tsemppi client
Like Tsemppi, the Puhti group rehabilitation service helps pensioners recover from mental health and substance use challenges. Puhti offers round-the-clock rehabilitation at Roihuvuori Senior Centre, with only a small client copayment. The rehabilitation period focuses on daily routines, physical activity and doing things together – the aim is to strengthen everyday wellbeing and help each client reach their own goals.
“My life changed completely. New goals, new tools. My self-esteem has improved, and I have lots of new things planned at home. I’ve also learned anxiety management methods that really help me relax. It’s a lovely, supportive community. Words can’t describe how much I’ve gained. A great place!”
– A Puhti client
In addition to rehabilitation, peer support has proved highly effective in improving mental wellbeing. The Kööri, Peesi, Vire and Toivo peer support groups, aimed at seniors in different life situations, start every February and September at various service centres. Participants talk openly, share experiences and support one another through life’s challenges. The spring 2026 schedules will be published at the end of November on the page ‘Mental health support services for the elderly’. You can join a group by calling its instructor.
“I’ve become more responsible; the group has helped. The only one who can solve my problems is me.”
– A Kööri client
“I’ve been able to change my thinking and find faith in the future. I’ve found hope. Without this group, I’d have been stuck. I’ve found my footing and moved forward.”
– A Toivo client
Peer support is also offered by experts by experience. The City’s senior services employ four trained experts by experience who use their personal stories to support others – three have recovered from substance abuse, and one is a relative of a mental health rehabilitee. You can meet them at the City’s service centres, and they also visit peer groups.
Rehabilitation programmes and peer groups often focus on long-term goals and may not suit people with memory disorders. However, having a memory disorder is not a barrier to joining Pilke groups, which are intended for seniors with a long history of substance use.
You can join a Pilke group at any time, just as you are – no lifestyle changes required. Meetings begin with a shared breakfast and check-in with participants, and activities are planned together. The groups provide support for everyday life and bring meaning and structure to the week. Pilke groups meet weekly at nearly all of the City’s service centres.
Support following the Pilke approach is also available in day activities, which may include exercise, music and outdoor activities. The goal is to improve quality of life, reduce the harms of substance use and support treatment for memory disorders.
“The day activities are my lifeline. Being here for one day will get you through the whole week.”
– A day activity client
If you are interested in these services, feel free to contact the service directly. If you already have a designated worker, they can help you get started. You can find contact details and detailed descriptions of all services on the page Mental health support services for the elderly.
Mental health support services for the elderly have been developed as part of the Helsinki's Sustainable Growth project. Our development measures in Helsinki are part of the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland, which is funded mainly through NextGenerationEU, the European Union’s economic recovery package.
