A shortage of volunteers has led to many calls to helplines going unanswered, with Hanna Niskanen of Vasa recalling a particularly moving interaction she had while volunteering.
Hanna Niskanen, a retired volunteer, reflected on her years of work in the church's discussion aid, where she often responded to distressing calls from individuals who felt isolated and alone. Her most memorable call involved someone who expressed that Niskanen was the first person they had talked to in an entire week, highlighting the emotional toll many face due to social isolation. Niskanen's experience underscores the critical need for volunteer support in mental health services.
The church's discussion aid program in Finland has seen a dramatic increase in contacts, with over 98,000 calls and messages recorded last year. However, due to a significant shortage of volunteers, many calls remain unanswered, leaving vulnerable individuals without the support they desperately need. The statistics reveal just over 30,000 of those calls were answered, raising concerns about the mental health crisis exacerbated by a lack of available resources.
Niskanen, who retired last year from her volunteer role due to health issues, believes that her engagement in volunteer work was vital, not only for those reaching out but also for her personal fulfillment. She emphasizes the importance of such programs and calls for more individuals to consider volunteering, as the demand for mental health support continues to grow in Finland, revealing a broader issue of social connectivity that needs to be addressed more comprehensively by society at large.
