Implementation of the

FRIENDS-program in Finnish

schools – experiences and

researchThe 10th Nordic Public Health Conference,

25.8.2011

Friends-session 15.45-17.15

Friends-planner Nina Aartokallio

Children of the Station

Children of the Station

Basic task of Children of the Station is to further the healthy growth of the youth as well as to prevent social exclusion, violence, crime and misuse of intoxicants.

Our organization aims to enhance the well-being of children, youth and families.

Background

Why do we need Friends-programs?

In Finland about 15 to 20 % of school-aged children suffer from some kind of mental disorder

Social exclusion, loneliness, risky behavior, eating disorders, not enjoying school etc. are our actual concerns

Friends-program in Finland

Two full-time workers – running trainings in Finnish and Swedish (about 20 per year)

At the moment Friends for children (2006) and Friends for youth (2008)

Fun Friends (age 4-7) pilot in 2012.

Children of the Station has trained about 1850 professionals working in schools and with youth

Over 17 000 pupils have participated in the program since 2006

Friends-program in Finland

Used in classroom setting in order to avoid stigmatization

Exploiting the multioccupational knowledge: teachers, school nurses, school psychologists, social workers, youth leaders etc.

Also used with immigrant pupils and 10th-graders

Research made in Finland

In co-operation with National Institute of Health and Welfare (2006-2007).

- The aim was to test how the program fits into Finnish school system and to measure the prevalence of pupils´ anxiety and depression symptoms.

Tiippana (2009) examined the effect of the Friends-program on depression, anxiety and self-esteem (total of 610 youngsters).

Experiences and feedback

Trainers have been satisfied with our one-day training and materials – easy to use

Some schools have Friends as a part of the curriculum

Amount of time in classroom and parental involvement

Co-operation partners and networks are important

Future plans and goals

All Friends-programs available in Finnish and Swedish

Increase the amount of participating schools

Secure funding

More research in Finland

More co-operation in Finland and internationally

Pupil:

” I’ve learnt to believe in myself. In some exciting

situations I’ve learnt to use helpful thoughts”

Teacher:

“Attitude towards my students changed as I gained

more knowledge about my pupils. I learnt to see

their individual strenghts.”

Parent:

“It’s important for the adolescents to notice that

others have the similar feelings of shame or

embarrassment and that they’re not by themselves

with their feelings. “

Thank you!

Contact information:

• Friends-planner Nina Aartokallio

– nina.aartokallio@asemanlapset.fi

– Phone number +358 503372165

• friends@asemanlapset.fi

• www.asemanlapset.fi