Culturehouses

Guided Functional Peer Support (GFP) brings people together around their strengths, skills and shared interests.

Instead of starting with a diagnosis or a list of difficulties, we ask: What would you like to do? What could we create together?

Participation, on people’s own terms

A Culturehouse is a place to make music, write, photograph, play games, create art or explore another shared interest. Participants help shape the activities and can become peer facilitators.

There is room to contribute, learn and belong — without having to become someone else first.

Peers lead. Professionals make room.

GFP means Guided Functional Peer Support. Peer facilitators share skills and organise activities with others. Professional staff provide guidance, continuity and practical support, while participants’ own interests remain at the centre.

The activities are not directed as therapy. They create opportunities for agency, relationships and meaningful everyday life.

From a pilot to a shared model

The approach grew out of my work in music therapy and mental health. The ELVIS pilot in Helsinki (2009–2012) helped develop a model that could be shared beyond one project.

Culturehouses have since developed in Finland and beyond. Each community shapes the model around its own people and interests.

Bring the approach to your community

I work with organisations interested in peer support, recovery-oriented practice and cultures of participation. We can explore the principles, train facilitators and develop practical ways to make room for people’s strengths.

Let’s talk about Culturehouses →

Read the background story in Forbes →