Kukunori’s GFP Model Chosen as Best Practice for Mental Health by the European Commission

 
The Guided Functional Peer Support Model (GFP-model), coordinated by the Finnish non-profit organization Kukunori, is a revolutionary approach designed to address the global mental health crisis in a scalable and sustainable way. After achieving outstanding results in Finland, the GFP-model has been selected to the European Commission’s Best Practices Portal for Mental Health.

GFP Model: A Revolutionary Approach to Mental Health

Kukunori was founded with the mission to discover innovative solutions to the societal challenges of our time. Over the last 10 years, Kukunori has been committed to finding transformative solutions for mental health, with the GFP model being one of its most significant initiatives.

“A desire to break boundaries is the driving force behind everything we do. We firmly believe that people deserve better than what is currently available and will leave no stone unturned in our search for solutions and services that work”, Markus Raivio, founder and director of Kukunori, explains.

As mental health issues continue to rise globally, the GFP model offers an unique approach, emphasizing peer support, hope-building, and community development. The model leverages the strengths and interests of individuals by providing them with a platform to empower themselves as they work toward their own dreams and aspirations, thereby helping them reclaim their well-being and reconnect with society. Effectiveness evaluations show that the model significantly reduces anxiety and loneliness, enhances self-esteem, and supports individuals’ return to education or employment.

The selection of the GFP-model among Europe’s top-tier practices in the European Commission’s Best Practices portal highlights the critical importance of innovative, community-based solutions in addressing the mental health crisis. It emphasizes how such groundbreaking approaches can play a pivotal role in transforming mental health care across Europe, offering sustainable, effective solutions that reach and support individuals in meaningful ways.

“This recognition reinforces that our model has the potential to help people across borders and impact mental health solutions on a wider European level,” said Raivio. “We look forward to collaborating further to expand its reach and effectiveness.”

For more information, please contact:

Markus Raivio
Executive Director, Kukunori Ry
Email: markus.raivio@kukunori.fi
Phone: +358 45 632 1973

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About Kukunori and GFP Model

• Kukunori ry is a Finnish non-profit organization dedicated to mental health support and social inclusion. Founded by Markus Raivio, a pioneer in the mental health field and Finland’s first Ashoka Fellow, Kukunori is committed to innovative solutions for mental health, with the GFP model being one of its flagship initiatives. The GFP model has received international recognition, including the GAMIAN-Europe The Pedro Montellano Good Practice Award and selection in the Nordic Next in Mind acceleration program.
• The GFP-model is implemented nationally in Finland through 25 Culture Houses, reaching over 2,000 individuals annually. Impact evaluations show that the model significantly reduces anxiety and loneliness, enhances self-esteem, and supports participants’ return to education or the workforce.
• In recent years, Kukunori has focused on expanding the GFP model internationally. As part of this initiative, local NGOs in Kenya have implemented Culture House activities, with Kukunori providing support through the global Making More Health initiative. The collaboration, launched through the Ashoka network, reflects Kukunori’s long-term commitment to advancing mental health and peer support globally.
• As part of its mission to further scale the GFP model, Kukunori will launch a new international platform in June 2025, increasing its availability and impact.