Wellbeing in our society is a major concern that touches us all across regions, age-groups, other demographics, and remains one of the most fundamental and critical challenges of our societies. Despite, or perhaps as a result of the rapid increase in living standards in the western world. According to the UN definition of security (1994), it must also be understood as including the notion of human security and freedom and rights related to social, political and cultural dimensions. The Global Youth Wellbeing Index from 2017 safety and security factors were considered equally alongside five other major ‘domains’ that contribute to wellbeing. It reported that countries that perform best in safety and security are generally those that perform best in overall rankings of youth wellbeing, highlighting the intrinsic relationship between security, safety and the human sense of wellness.

In our project which our abstract and research are based on, “PARASTA ITÄÄ!” examines the relationship between safety and well-being through a series of concrete pilot projects, which are based on a holistic approach and the development of services, and including a cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach. It comprehensively responds to current and future complex challenges, to ensure the availability of skilled and motivated workforce to improve safety by human security approach. The vision for eastern Finland takes into account the development of a stable and safe operating environment through preventive welfare work, the prevention of polarization and inequality, and recognizing that human capital determines the long-term development of regions.

The pilots aim to eliminate silos and facilitate cooperation between organizations. They were implemented with a university hospital, social, health and art workers, and the Finnish Association of Hospitals and Organizations that Promote Health. Art and culture methods and phenomena were used with professionals in the coaching to reach a common goal. Art, culture and creative methods raise up new perspectives and plans for the future. The most important achievement was the creation of a common will and enthusiasm for future development work. According to participants, the best part was encountering, networking and functionality to achieve common goals in promoting health and security. There is a great need for phenomena-based learning and development and strong belief in multidisciplinary working.

Keywords: Multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral learning and work, phenomena-based approach and learning, holistic thinking, human security, creative methods

Other info:  Porrassalmenkatu 35-37 - Mikkeli - Finland - Hanna Turunen, Lecturer at Savonia University of Applied Sciences