Parents of children with special needs, who act as caregivers, are often faced with lots of extra work in their daily lives, that is not normally related to parenting. In our society, the welfare of caregivers is often viewed from the perspective of elderly caregivers. However, nearly half of them are of working-age.

This thesis collaborated with Leijonaemot association. The association provides peer support for parents of children with special needs. The association’s strategy for 2021 ”So that you still remember today to be You”, highlights the importance of self-image.

The aim of this thesis was to create a tool that supports mental health and wellbeing of the caregivers of special needs children. The aim was that with the help of the developed product, each individual member of the Leijonaemot can look at their own well-being. The aim was also to support the volunteers of Leijonaemot with a tool that they can use to build content for their own events and peer support groups.

The issue was approached by getting acquainted with theories and current research results on mental health work and family care. During the process, three innovation workshops, based on customer-oriented development, were organized, during which the tool was developed together with Leijonaemot association’s voluntary actors.

The final product was a workbook called Hyvinvointitassut.