Saija Lentonen Leaves Her Acting Career – Reveals Her Drug Background on TV
Former actress Saija Lentonen has transitioned to working as a street worker, helping drug-addicted youth, a journey documented in a recent Yle film.
Saija Lentonen, a former actress, is now working as a street worker for the Diaconal Institute, where she assists young individuals struggling with substance abuse. Her new vocation is the focus of a fresh documentary titled "Et sä voi kuolla," recently aired on Yle's TV1. The documentary highlights her impactful journey and the meaningful work she is doing in the community to support at-risk youth.
In the documentary, Lentonen discusses how her past experiences with substance use—specifically as a recreational drug user—allow her to relate to the challenges faced by those she aids. She emphasizes that her history provides her with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the issues, stating, "I feel I can utilize all of my previous knowledge in this work. I have a connection to this world and these phenomena from my own past and youth."
Throughout the documentary, Lentonen and her partner, Sauli Taipale, navigate the streets of Helsinki, offering help to individuals battling addiction. Their outreach efforts reveal the harsh realities of substance abuse, including encounters with distressed individuals. One poignant scene includes a visit to help a young woman who has been robbed, showcasing the immediate and pressing needs within the community that Lentonen and Taipale are committed to addressing.