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
Helsinki / Tampere
14 April – 23 April 2026
* Registrations open 1st July – 31 October *
If the participant quota is reached before the official closing date, registration may close earlier.
Overview
Valo-Valmennusyhdistys ry is a non-profit national association dedicated to enhancing access to learning, employment, wellbeing, and societal participation. The organisation operates across several Finnish cities, including Tampere, Sastamala, Turku, Rauma, Pori, and Helsinki.
The association’s mission is to support, guide, and train some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, helping them achieve a good, ordinary life. This encompasses reaching personal goals in health and wellbeing, employment, housing, and relationships with family and friends.
Valo-Valmennusyhdistys continuously evaluates and develops its practices based on applied research. The organisation innovates and shares new methods that empower people in vulnerable groups.
Through its work, Valo-Valmennusyhdistys offers valuable insights into effective support systems and community integration for those facing social challenges, fostering resilience and wellbeing at the core of its approach.
Details
The programme will be held during one period accommodating a total of 75 participants. To facilitate a more effective and comfortable experience during the stay, shadowing, and discussions, we will organise participants into subgroups.
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
Important Information
If you applied for more than one host country, please remember that you will only be selected for one country, due to the high number of applications. If you already received a place in another exchange country and joined that programme, we cannot offer you a new place unfortunately. This is to ensure that more people the chance to join our exchange programmes.
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.
- 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.
- Level of Experience:
We value candidates with a minimum of 2 years' experience in the field, though we also consider those with less experience.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.