– Peer support, mental resources, and a sense of community
A culture house is a community of young adults that offers meaningful activities, social interactions, and mental health support for its participants. Culture houses are intended for young people aged 18 to 35 who have mental health needs or who are in an otherwise challenging life situation.
At the heart of the culture house activities are creative and functionally oriented groups that are held by trained peer tutors. The themes of the groups change based on the interests of both the peer tutors and the participants. Culture houses offer, for example, music, arts and crafts, games, and sports. In addition, they organise trips, theme days, and special events.
A culture house offers a safe and encouraging environment where one can express themselves and learn new skills. The activities are free of charge and voluntary, and participation does not require a diagnosis nor a referral.
Become a part of our community!
If you’re interested in joining Culture House Virta, we invite you to take part in an introductory visit and a short participant interview. We are accepting new participants every week! You can book an introductory visit on the booking system on our website that is available here. Alternatively, you can get an introduction to Culture House Virta by participating in the ‘Welcome to Virta!’ group that runs on Wednesday mornings from 10 to 12. For more information, you can contact our community leader Minna via phone at 044 722 7780 or via email at minna.wallenius@sosped.fi
Mental resources and strengthening physical capacity
At a culture house, every participant can choose what kind of activities they wish to participate in. The main focus of activities is on mental resources: although the participants have different kinds of challenges in their lives, the activities are focused on the participants’ mental resources, strengths, and interests. This in turn strengthens their life management skills and supports all-encompassing wellbeing.
Culture house activities have a significant positive effect on the participant’s life, which has been proven by research. Self-confidence grows, the feeling of loneliness lessens, and mental health improves. Participating in the culture house activities has improved the following things in the lives of the participants of Sosped’s culture houses:
- 80 % report improvement in their mental health
- 77 % report their loneliness has decreased
- 66% have gained new meaningful relationships
- 75% report their daily routine has improved
- 74% report their social skills have improved
- 59 % have made plans for future employment or studies
One participant summarises their experience like this: “I’ve gained a place I can go to outside of home, people of the same age around me, and hope that my life can improve.” Another puts it this way: “The culture house got my life going well.”
A culture house is much more than just a collection of group activities – it is a community that gives young adults hope and a chance to build a better future.