Implementation of the FRIENDS-program in Finnish schools – experiences and research. Friends-planner Nina Aartokallio, Children of the Station

1. Implementation of the
FRIENDS-program in Finnish
schools – experiences and
research
The 10th Nordic Public Health Conference,
25.8.2011
Friends-session 15.45-17.15
Friends-planner Nina Aartokallio
Children of the Station

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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).

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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. “

10. Thank you!
Contact information:
• Friends-planner Nina Aartokallio
– nina.aartokallio@asemanlapset.fi
– Phone number +358 503372165
• friends@asemanlapset.fi
• www.asemanlapset.fi