Mental Health Matters

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Anne Wanjiku Fagerström, Márcio Paulo Bispo Lima, Sunita Tamang. MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: a pamphlet on mental health services for English speakers in Helsinki 58 pages., 2 appendices To be published Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Degree Programme in Social Services (DSS) Bachelor of Social Services

This thesis aims to promote the access of information for English-speaking mental health service users which fosters their empowerment thus increasing self-determination and participation in the community. This product-based thesis produced a tri-fold pamphlet in English language, providing information on mental health, types of mental health practitioners, process of seeking mental health care, emergency contacts and information on the work life partner Psychological Practitioners Finland (PPF) ry. The pamphlet also works as a bridge to PPF’s website; www.mentalhealth.fi which shares consolidated information on mental health.

The pamphlet was created using a free software where information used in the pamphlet was based on feedback received during the website creation project. Mental health service users were unaware of their rights, obligations, and the procedure in seeking mental health care hence the need to provide comprehensive information.

The evaluation of the pamphlet and the development process provided further information on the need for information on mental health services. It further encourages the collaboration of like-minded organisations in supporting the promotion of inclusivity of individuals in the society.

Keywords: Mental health, mental health services, migrants and immigrants, language barrier and pamphlet.