11.03.2025 - The "Good Practice in Social Work" award has been given to the Tsemppi model in Helsinki. Tsemppi is a social rehabilitation initiative for elderly individuals facing challenges related to substance use or mental health.
The model was developed by social and healthcare professionals working with the elderly in the City of Helsinki. One of the key contributors to the model’s creation is Sofia Pietarinen, a gerontologist and project planner, who has been involved in the initiative since its inception.
Tsemppi was developed within the EU’s Sustainable Growth project as part of the new "Mental Health Supportive Senior Services" framework.
Excessive alcohol use is most common among individuals aged 65–79 in the Helsinki metropolitan area, with 46% of them consuming alcohol at harmful levels (Source: Helsinki Metropolitan Area Well-being Survey 2021).
“Tsemppi is a low-threshold preventive service for people over 60 who do not require intensive mental health or substance use services but can benefit from tailored age-specific support,” explains Sofia Pietarinen.
Most clients are referred to Tsemppi through health centers and senior services. Social counselors from Helsinki’s senior centers visit clients in their homes, where the rehabilitation process takes place.
“The content of the rehabilitation program is tailored to each client’s needs. Clients set their own rehabilitation goals, which makes the process more meaningful and motivating for them. These goals may include reducing substance use or improving mental well-being,” says Pietarinen.
Together, the client and counselor discuss ways to achieve these goals. The counselor meets with the client once a week for an hour. The rehabilitation period lasts up to six months, during which the client establishes new habits to support their well-being.
A total of 123 individuals have participated in Tsemppi rehabilitation, with excellent results. Of those who provided feedback, 77% reported a reduction in alcohol consumption, while 78% said their mood had improved.
Tsemppi leads to cost savings
The "Good Practice in Social Work" competition is organized by the Social Sector Professionals’ Union Talentia. The jury consisted of representatives from Talentia and its associations, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s (THL) Innokylä initiative, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, the Pirkanmaa Well-being Services County, the Pikassos social work competence center, and Globex Oy.
The jury recognized Tsemppi as a timely and impactful initiative.
“In Helsinki, elderly individuals now have access to low-threshold support for substance use and mental health challenges. Previously, they had to rely on the same services as the working-age population. We hope this new model will be adopted by other well-being service counties,” says Jenny Suominen, Talentia’s Director of Social Advocacy and a member of the award jury.
Tsemppi provides elderly individuals with timely support and assistance, while also reducing the need for costly and intensive services, generating significant economic benefits.
The "Good Practice in Social Work" award includes a €1,000 prize and a trip to a social sector conference. The competition aims to promote the development and dissemination of effective professional practices in the social sector.
The award was presented on March 11, 2025, at the Social Work Experts’ Days in Tampere.