Life After Migration: Next Step Stories

Life After Migration: Next Step Stories is a weekly open peer group series in Vaasa for people with immigrant backgrounds who are navigating life, work, and identity in a new country.

We understand that this journey can involve deep stress, exhaustion, uncertainty, and even feelings of shame or invisibility. Our trained facilitators are experienced in working with diverse life situations and recognize how complex and heavy these experiences can be. The space is designed to be respectful, safe, and non-judgmental.

The sessions are not lectures or therapy, but guided peer group workshops where participants can reflect, share experiences, and find practical next steps forward. Each session combines a lived experience story, simple tools for understanding thoughts and behavior, and a solution-focused exercise that helps turn reflection into action.

The goal is to support both emotional understanding and concrete progress in everyday life, especially in situations where effort does not easily translate into visible change.

Participants can join any session without long-term commitment. Enroll to info@whatthefinland.fi, limited spaces. Snacks will be provided.

Session Themes Spring 2026

1️⃣ When effort doesn’t lead to change APRIL 21st – story of Jordi

Many people feel they are doing everything right – learning the language, applying for jobs, adapting – yet nothing seems to move forward. This session explores why progress is not always linear and how to identify small signs of movement and control.

2️⃣ When work becomes painful APRIL 27th – story of Sadaf

Applying job and also working can bring stress that is not always visible: rejection, misunderstanding, discrimination, or feeling unseen. This session focuses on recognizing these experiences and finding ways to protect well-being while staying active in working life.

3️⃣ When adapting makes you lose yourself MAY TBA – story of Francis

Constant adaptation can lead to exhaustion and a feeling of losing one’s identity. This session explores boundaries: how much adaptation is healthy, and how to stay connected to your own values, sense of self and cultural background.

4️⃣ When financial stress takes over MAY TBA – story of Tomi

Money pressure can create shame, fear, and constant worry about the future. This session focuses on breaking the cycle of stress by identifying small, realistic steps that restore a sense of control and direction.

Peer group wellbeing activities are supported by The Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia and What The Finland ry / IE-Experts.