Life-long support, promotion and prevention of mental health at different stages of life, including the provision of mental health services for people in vulnerable positions

Tampere / Helsinki

31 March 2025 - 11 April 2025

  * Registrations now open *  

Registration will be open until Monday, 28 October 2024

Overview

Silta-Valmennusyhdistys ryis a non-profit, strongly value-based and religiously non-denominated organisation. Its roots go back to the founding of the Suomen Wankeusyhdistys ry in 1869. The association is based in Tampere, but today it is nationwide and strongly networked organisation.

Its mission is to promote societal equality and individual well-being by coaching those who face challenges in finding employment, helping them develop their work and life skills, and supporting their integration into society. Silta runs workshops and vocational training services for young people, adults, and rehabilitees, offering practical, hands-on learning in fields such as construction, automotive, and catering.

>The organisation works closely with vocational schools to provide specialised education and training programmes. Silta also offers coaching for individuals recovering from substance abuse, assisting their reintegration into society and promoting responsible, substance-free lives. The organisation’s core values - respect, effectiveness, perseverance, and teamwork - are central to its culture and service delivery.

Silta also engages in international projects, partnering with other organisations on initiatives funded for example by Erasmus+ and ESF+. With over 100 employees and thousands of customers per year, Silta’s services are largely commissioned by public sector bodies, providing practical support for social inclusion and empowerment.

Details

DATES (1st wave)

The programme will be held during one period accommodating groups of 3 x 25 participants. The three groups will be spread across Helsinki and Tampere:

31 March – 11 April 2025

A second wave will take place from May 2026, with registration opening in spring 2026.

PARTICIPANTS

• Mental health professionals from within the medical system and community-based care.
• Educators, schoolteachers, pedagogues.
• Social workers from various community settings.
• Professionals working in prisons and juvenile detention centres.
• Policymakers.
• Professionals providing education in mental health.
• Service user organizations involved in mental health advocacy.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants will undergo a thorough selection process based on the following criteria. Details on the evaluation can be found here: Participants Evaluation Grid

In case you have applied for more than one hosting country, please consider that – due to the high number of applications received – you will only be selected for one Country.

Applicants can expect to receive a response within three weeks after registration closure.
Please also remember to check in your Spam folder!

If selected, you will be asked to do enter more details, as a second step for registration. Please make sure to do so within 1 week of confirmation, otherwise we will have to give your seat to another applicant. 

1. Country of Residence:
   The exchange programme is open to participants (regardless of their nationality) whose country of residence is either one of the 27 EU Member States, or Norway or Iceland. A total of 150 participants will be selected, with quotas assigned to sending countries based on their population size and active engagement in the mental health sector.
    
2. Level of Experience:
   We value candidates with a minimum of 2 years' experience in the field, though we also consider those with less experience.
    
3. English Proficiency Requirement:
   Language of the exchange visits will be English. Candidates must possess a minimum proficiency in English, equivalent to at least the B1 level.
    
4. Motivation/Attitude:
   Applicants should provide clear and well-structured motivation letters, demonstrating understanding of the program's objectives and a strong commitment to their professional growth.
    
5. Affiliation with Exchange Hosting Organisations:
   If you are affiliated with any Exchange hosting organisation, you will receive priority consideration for participation in our programme.

YOUR ROLE & CONTRIBUTION

Before the Visit:

• Coordinate your trip details with the EU-PROMENS project team.
• Familiarise with the participant pack provided upon confirmation.

During the Visit:

• Receive an introduction to the local context and best and promising practices.
• Engage in group dynamics, interactive learning and solution-building.
• Participate in the conclusive workshop and certification ceremony.
• Engage with a dedicated local hub group facilitator.

After the Visit:

• Fill in the programme evaluation form and participants' report.
• Further engage with your new peers on EU-PROMENS Community of Practice.
• If you want apply for the upcoming EU-PROMENS Training Programme in your country of residence.