Our work
Sosped Foundation is a non-governmental welfare organization based in Finland. We provide low-threshold, peer-based services for people who are navigating difficult life situations, such as:
- Mental health challenges
- Social exclusion
- Gambling-related problems
- Excessive digital gaming
- Compulsive social media use
- Harm caused by online romance scams
We develop all our services in collaboration with people who have lived experience, combining peer support, experiential knowledge, and professional expertise to promote well-being, recovery, and social participation.
What We Do
Our services are built around dialogue, community, creativity, and participation. We support people through structured peer groups, group activities, individual guidance, and digital resources—offered both face-to-face and online.
Culture Houses
We operate seven peer-led Culture Houses across Finland, providing creative and community-based activities for young adults (aged 18–35) facing mental health challenges. Activities are led by peer leaders and include art, music, drama, media, board games, sports, knitting etc. All activities are always based on participation and voluntary involvement.
Digital Addiction Program
We offer targeted support and information for individuals affected by digital dependence:
- Digipelirajaton: For people struggling with problematic gaming
- Somerajaton: For those dealing with compulsive use of social media
These programs include workshops, peer groups, online meetups, digital detox weekends, and awareness-building materials, particularly for youth and young adults (aged 18–35).
Gambling Addiction Program
Our Pelirajaton program offers both individual and group-based peer support for people affected by gambling problems. We also engage in preventive work with youth and professionals.
Economic Recovery Coaching
A unique peer-based coaching model for people recovering from gambling harm, with a focus on regaining financial control, emotional support, and future planning.
Romance Scam Support
We run Finland’s first peer-based support initiative for people who have experienced online romance scams. The service includes confidential support, awareness materials, and collaboration with professionals.
Epic Lights – Media Participation
This program supports young people in vulnerable situations to express themselves through media—from filmmaking to podcasting—enhancing digital literacy, self-esteem, and community connection.
Our Numbers at a Glance
- 42,346 participants in our programs and activities
- 339 volunteers supporting peer-led work
- 40 employees across Finland
- 45 experts by experience who share their personal stories in media and train professionals
- Dozens of peer groups and events each month, both onsite and online
Our Values and Approach
We work through a social pedagogical lens, guided by these principles:
- Respectful, dialogical encounters – We see the person first, not the problem.
- Promoting agency and participation – Everyone contributes, everyone grows.
- Fostering community – Belonging is the basis for well-being.
- Creativity and action – Expression leads to empowerment.
- Reflection between theory and practice – We combine professional insight and lived experience.
- Strengthening belonging – We amplify marginalized voices and support social reintegration.
Sosped Foundation is committed to creating accessible, inclusive, and empowering communities—where individuals can heal, express themselves, and get empowered.