# Mental Wellbeing from students to students - Savonia AMK

> Mental health and substance abuse internship in Wellness Center.

## Internship Overview
The mental health and substance abuse internship is offered once a semester in the learning environment of the Savonia Wellness Center. The program is open to four to six students from the Nursing degree programme and one to two exchange students. 

During the internship, students carry out mental health promotion activities in a group format for international student groups from Savonia and Savo Vocational College. The goal is to promote well-being and initiate conversations about mental health with customers ranging from teenagers to adults.

## Creative and Functional Methods
To overcome language barriers and engage participants, students utilized various functional methods, which provide a holistic approach to mental well-being. These methods included:
*   **Drawing:** Used for creative expression and sharing personal narratives. One notable session involved a participant depicting the impact of the war in Ukraine, illustrating the connection between art and processing complex emotions.
*   **Physical and Sensory Activities:** Yoga, green therapy, dancing, and music.
*   **Vision Boards:** Used to visualize goals and feelings.

## Building Trust and Cultural Connection
Students identified that building a trusting relationship with clients is essential when discussing sensitive topics like emotions. To foster this connection, the student team:
*   Shared professional backgrounds and personal origins (e.g., Bangladesh, Kenya, and Italy).
*   Discussed cultural habits, food, and shared experiences to create a welcoming atmosphere.
*   Used these personal connections to make clients feel more comfortable expressing their own feelings.

## Teamwork and Professional Development
The internship emphasized the importance of collaboration and structured teamwork. Key takeaways for the students included:
*   **Brainstorming:** Regular sessions were held to tailor activities to the specific needs of diverse customer groups.
*   **Communication:** Clear communication and punctuality were identified as vital for team respect and efficiency.
*   **Role Distribution:** Dividing tasks based on individual strengths ensured a well-organized workflow.
*   **Reflective Practice:** Students noted that navigating diverse ideas and maintaining mutual respect were guiding principles for their success.

## Contact Information
*   **Salla Lommi**, Service Coordinator, Wellness Center: salla.lommi@savonia.fi
*   **Elisabetta Brocca**, Nursing Student

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*This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0*