Support for studies and wellbeing

Students may talk to a student counsellor in confidence about social and financial issues and issues related to their studies. It is advisable to talk to the counsellor if problems occur that can distract a student from studying.

Personal matters may influence the progress and motivation of students and their studies. Students may be troubled by e.g. issues related to personal relationships, circumstances at the school or even their income.

A student counsellor provides the opportunity for students to discuss these issues confidentially with a professional, guiding and supporting students in their different circumstances.

Appointments and all transactions with student counsellors are free of charge for students of Diaconia University of Applied Sciences.

All discussions with student counsellors are confidential, and student counsellors never divulge anything about them to other people, unless you and your student counsellor specifically agree otherwise. If it is necessary to discuss your concerns with someone else, the matter will always be discussed with you first and nothing will be done without your consent. The principle is that a student must always be present in person when his or her circumstances are being discussed at Diak.

Contact

You can contact your local student counsellor in crises, mental health and emotional well-being matters. She can discuss with you and determine any further support needs you may have.

In principle, student counsellors work from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. At times, it is possible to arrange evening meetings by advance agreement. Student counsellors are usually not available during weekends and holidays.

The special education teacher can help in situations where learning is difficult. If you have a diagnosed learning difficulty, illness or injury that hampers your ability to study, or you suspect that you might have a learning disability, we can find out suitable ways for you to study despite the challenges. ​Please, contact your local special education teacher.

If you have been diagnosed with a learning difficulty, illness or injury, you may receive individual study arrangements. Please, contact your study guidance counsellor or your special education teacher.

Special education teacher supports students on all campuses.

Contact

You can contact the student deacon when you are concerned about things such as financial matters, coping with everyday life, relationships or loneliness. You can also get in touch if you are unsure where to find help. The deacon can guide you to the support services you need. Diaconal assistance is available to everyone regardless of religion or belief. The deacon is bound by confidentiality. The student deacon holds a Bachelor of Social Services (Diaconia) degree. Meetings take place at Paavali Parish or Diak’s premises (room 618). We can also talk on the phone, or you can send an email.

Säde Kultanen
Student Deacon (Diak)
Tel. 050 464 7168
sade.kultanen@evl.fi

Student Pastor

You can receive support from the student pastor with:

• Life challenges and crises
• Existential questions
• Forming your own worldview
• Dealing with experiences of discrimination or exclusion

The student pastor is here for you regardless of your background or beliefs (whether religious or non-religious). The student pastor is available to both students and staff.

You are welcome to talk in confidence. The student pastor is committed to confidentiality and to creating a safer space, including in one-on-one conversations.

The best way to get in touch is by email or text message:

Matleena Ikola
(appointments via Teams / Paavali Church / walking meetings)
matleena.ikola@evl.fi
Tel. 050 325 2135

Most Diak campuses provide multi-professional student well-being personals, whose task is to provide special measures to support students in coping with their studies when necessary. The most important goal is to prevent students from dropping out of their studies, which can be prevented by support.

Support for information searching is available at the library in Helsinki. If you need assistance with information searching, please contact the library.

The last guidance session of the semester by Study Guidance Counselor and Responsible Teacher includes missing assignments workshop.

You can also get support from peer students that are doing their placement at Diak Wellbeing Services. Contact Diak peer support interns via email: peersupport@diak.fi.

At Diak, peer support interns are available to support you in your studies and daily life. Whether you need support with integration, studies, or well-being, they can offer guidance and practical advice.

Integration support

Adjusting to a new environment can take time. Peer support interns can help you with:

• Creating an administration checklist to help you with essential tasks after arrival.
• Answering questions about lifestyle and adjustments to life in Finland
• Searching for part-time work opportunities or work placements
• Providing advice on networking options to help you connect with people in your field and social circles

Study support

• Time management guidance to help you balance schoolwork and other responsibilities
• Assistance with missing assignments and staying on track with schoolwork
• Tips for success, including study techniques and learning strategies
• Help with navigating Diak’s digital systems and practicalities

Well-being support 

• Loneliness support, offering a listening ear and ways to build connections
• Help with finding hobby and activity groups to match your interests
• Guidance in challenging situations, offering advice and directing you to available resources
• For support or more information, contact the peer support interns at peersupport@diak.fi.

Diak Social Services students have a possibility to complete one of their work placements at Diak wellbeing services as a peer support intern (opintososionomiharjoittelija). If you are interested in becoming a Peer Support Intern, please contact sonja.hyrkko@diak.fi.

Where should I work? How do I write a strong job application? Is my experience enough? Am I ready? What do I want from my career? These are some of the questions you can explore together with your own mentor. A mentor is a Diak alumnus, a Diak graduate.

All discussions with your mentor are confidential, and meeting times are agreed between you (the actor) and the mentor. The process lasts for one semester and includes a joint kick-off and closing session for all actors and mentors, as well as around five one-to-one meetings.

In addition to the services provided by Diak, there are other places where you can find support for your studying and well-being. Here are some links to the websites of other service providers:

• Nyyti ry promotes students’ mental health and ability to study offering information, support, and activities for promoting mental health and coping with challenges. Services include tests, chat, groups, peer groups and help for loneliness.
• Mielenterveystalo, Mental Health House offers self-care programs for managing symptoms, life situations, and mental well-being. Self-care programs are comprehensive sets developed by experts to provide support for your situation. With self-care programs, you can improve your well-being when you have concerns about your mental health.
• Mieli ry, Mental Health Finland, is to promote mental health and prevent problems by strengthening the mental well-being of all levels of society and in all spheres of life.
• Mieli ry operates a Crisis Helpline that offers confidential support during times of crisis. The helpline is available 24/7 in both Finnish and English. You can call anonymously and confidentially at 09 2525 0116.
• FSHS– Finnish Student Health Service provides general health and mental health services to students. You can contact their national service number: 046 710 1073.