Mental resilience is built within communities

Society is currently under pressure from many simultaneous factors. In the public sector, resources are being rationed, and some of the savings are also eroding the foundations for a sustainable future in the longer term. Alongside these economic pressures, the security environment has also changed rapidly. Combined with post-pandemic gloom, hybrid influence, the environmental crisis, the rapid development of artificial intelligence and polarised politics, it is no wonder that people’s trust in society and in one another is at risk of eroding in the face of uncertainty. Job insecurity or unemployment, loneliness, a sense of exclusion and alienation from communities all serve as building blocks for the polarisation of democracy.

Resilience is always built under normal circumstances. It consists not only of defence and infrastructure, but also of mental resilience. In crises and times of disruption, society can only function if people retain their capacity to act and trust one another and the institutions. When people find meaningful things to do and a way to make a difference as part of a community, this also helps to prevent marginalisation and radicalisation.

Mental resilience refers to trust in other members of the community and in the wider society, a belief in the future, and the sense that one is not alone. It also involves the ability to act together in the midst of uncertainty. Mental resilience is influenced foremost by a person’s sense of security, which is strengthened by a sense of community and the knowledge that basic resources such as food and water will be secured in a crisis situation.

Recognising and strengthening one’s own capabilities also increases mental resilience – it is easier to cope with uncertainty when you know what you can do yourself in a crisis, with whom, and, conversely, where help is available in an emergency.

The foundations of preparedness are laid during normal times

The Finnish innovation Commu has become known as a community platform for helping neighbours, as well as for local authorities to communicate with and engage residents. Commu is currently being rapidly developed as a preparedness platform, which helps local authorities and cities to prepare during normal times and to respond flexibly during and after crises and disruptions.

It will soon be possible to compile the operational guidelines and resources of local and regional preparedness actors on Commu in an easily accessible format for residents. In the future, some of this information will also be available offline, should the internet connection be lost. Commu also plays a role in encouraging civic engagement around the theme of preparedness.

As development work progresses, the aim is to extend preparedness activities to micro-communities such as villages, neighbourhoods and housing estates. In this way, the community platform can contain both content that strengthens participation and safety for all residents in the area, and information specific to closed communities, such as rescue and preparedness plans.

A good tool for crisis management and dealing with disruptions is part of everyday life even in normal circumstances, as people are already committed to the community. In Commu, this is put into practice in everyday life through a sense of community, neighbourly help, voluntary work, resident participation and communication, as well as through preparedness skills and related knowledge. Thus, should a crisis or disruption arise, people are ready to act and adapt to the situation within communities of various sizes.

A Finnish innovation making a significant societal solution

Commu recently launched a project funded by Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, in which a preparedness model is being developed for the rural municipality of Inkoo on the Commu community platform, in collaboration with the local community and residents. During the project, an operational model will be developed that can be scaled up to other municipalities and cities.

In Valencia, Spain, a collaboration has also been launched to utilise Commu in crisis management. The severe Dana floods in Valencia two years ago highlighted the critical role of trained volunteers and preparedness in a serious crisis. Commu is being developed in a way that will enable the community platform to operate in both normal and crisis modes, with their respective functions, as well as the identification and mobilisation of trained volunteers.

We are therefore challenging Finns to join us in building, step by step, the world’s first preparedness model that brings together local authorities, the third sector and residents.

If your municipality or city is interested in finding out more about Commu as a platform for preparedness, participation and neighbourly support, we’d be delighted to tell you more. Get in touch!

Paula Mäkeläinen

B.Soc.Sc., Social Worker

The author is responsible for municipal partnerships at the social enterprise Commu and is an expert in change management, wellbeing and participation.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)