OP0209 PARE IMPROVING MENTAL WELLBEING - COACHING PEERS TO USE TOOLKIT FOR MIND
Authors: Tiina Hongisto
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2019)

<h3>Background</h3> The theme for the Finnish Rheumatism Association for 2019 is Mind and Me. The Age Institute in Finland launched a project called Mental Wellbeing to Promote Older People's Knowhow to Face Life's Challenges and the project was piloted at the Finnish Rheumatism Association in 2018. During the pilot project, staff members from the Finnish Rheumatism Association and volunteers from its member organisations were trained as Tools for Mind Coaches. This training gave new tools for peer support targeting older people and their mental wellbeing. The Cocahes may use the tools developed by the Age Institute, and these include Mind Tools, Senior Mind Pack of 52 cards, Nature Attraction Path, A Guide for Life Skills Coaches and a pocket book on Mental Wellbeing. The project especially targeted older people and their families in challenging life situations by promoting their mental wellbeing. <h3>Objectives</h3> To disseminate the theme and activities of mental wellbeing in member associations. To utilise the trained mental wellbeing coaches for tutoring in older people groups. To utilise the Tools for Mind in the activities of the Finnish Rheumatism Association and its member associations. To promote mental wellbeing to members <h3>Methods</h3> In the pilot project in 2018 the Age Institute organized three mental wellbeing training sessions for peer support group coaches, each lasted 1-2 days. The Finnish Rheumatism Association provided the coaches with some of the Tools for Mind. The training sessions included theory and practices. Participants were introduced how to use the Tools for Mind and they were encouraged to think for other applications of the tools. Also the themes discussed included elements of mental wellbeing, solution-focused approach, organising peer support groups for old people with chronical illnesses and ethical principles for group activities. <h3>Results</h3> There were altogether 11 people from the Finnish Rheumatism Association and its member associations that finished the training for Mind Coaches. Feedback from the participants was positive and the Tools for Mind were not only considered as useful practical tools but they also increased self-confidence and enthusiasm for peer led support groups. Senior Mind Pack of 52 cards were described as multipurpose and having good visual quality. All Tools for Mind were considered as thought-provoking tools to start conversation. Practical tools help to recognise new aspects of one's own illness and they can be used to give support to people in different stages of their illness. Participants felt that forming groups and increasing cooperation between trained coaches and local associations need to be supported by the umbrella organisation, Finnish Rheumatism Association. Tools for Mind have successfully been used in a Fibromyalgia group and in senior groups for veterans (who did not have any RMDs). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The Finnish Rheumatism Association is creating new activities to endorse mental wellbeing. The training in 2018 will be used as a model for training coaches in mental wellbeing and it will be introduced in member organisations in 2019. Four training sessions will be arranged around Finland in the spring 2019. The programme will follow the pilot project programme. Training includes learning how to use the tools for mental wellbeing, going through the elements of mental wellbeing, solution-focused practices, organising peer support groups for old people with chronical illnesses and ethical principles. If possible, it is always good to have a trained Coach in the training, to tell about his/her experiences of using the Tools for Mind, how people have reacted to using the tools, and what kind of challenges and good moments the coach has experienced in group work. In 2019, the tools are utilised for example in monthly tasks concerning mental wellbeing and the Senior Mind Pack of 52 cards are being used in the member organisation visits to start conversation. <h3>Reference</h3> [1] https://www.ikainstituutti.fi/content/uploads/2018/05/Improving-older-peoples-mental-wellbeing_hires.pdf <h3>Disclosure of Interests:&nbsp;</h3> None declared