Creating space at Origin.
Welcome to Origin. We are passionate about creating a space where everyone can find community, look after their wellbeing and care for our environment.
Wellbeing
Environment
Community
Why be part of Origin?
In an increasingly individualistic society, the importance of community cannot be overstated. The benefits of being part of a community—ranging from improved mental health to enhanced personal and collective growth—make it a vital component of a fulfilling life. By joining together, we not only achieve more but also enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.
Significance of Community
The significance of community involvement is well-documented. According to a 2017 report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), people who engage in community activities report higher life satisfaction, with a positive correlation between social connections and mental health. Specifically, those who feel they belong to their local community are more likely to report feeling happy and less anxious. The ONS found that individuals with a strong sense of community belonging scored 8.0 out of 10 for life satisfaction, compared to 7.5 for those who felt less connected.
Impact on Wellbeing
Research from the UK's Mental Health Foundation underscores the critical role that strong social connections play in maintaining mental wellbeing. Individuals who feel connected to a community are less likely to experience loneliness, depression, and anxiety. According to the Foundation, loneliness is linked to a 26% increased risk of premature mortality, making it as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Community involvement can mitigate these risks by providing emotional support, companionship, and a sense of purpose.
A Community 'Third Space'
In our modern lives, much of our time is spent at home or work, but it’s the third spaces—those places where we connect, relax, and engage with others—that play a crucial role in our wellbeing, environmental care, and community building.
We want Origin to be one of these ‘Third Spaces’, offering a vital break from daily pressures, fostering mental health by reducing loneliness and enhancing social connections. This also allows Origin to provide opportunities to collaborate on environmental initiatives, creating a sense of shared purpose and responsibility within the community.
Establishing Origin as a ‘Third Space’, helps encourage diverse groups to interact on neutral ground, promoting equality and inclusivity. By providing an accessible and welcoming environment, Origin can help build a strong, interconnected community that supports both personal wellbeing and collective environmental stewardship.
We are passionate about Origin being part of a revolution, creating or inspiring many other third spaces, helping us become a balanced, healthy, and sustainable society.
Building a Team
We believe in the power of a strong team. Each member of our core team contributes unique expertise and perspectives. As we pursue our long-term vision, we continue to expand, focusing on diverse areas where Origin can excel and offer services. While our team is always evolving, we’d like to spotlight three key members who have been instrumental in building Origin…
Kenny
Kenny leads the team at Origin with expertise in team leadership, conflict resolution, and personal development coaching. His focus is on empowering individuals and groups to achieve growth and positive change in their lives.
Diana
An expert in early years childcare, who guides our team in creating enriching experiences for children and their parents or guardians at Origin.
Megan
Megan, an expert in anti-human trafficking, brings her valuable experience to our team by guiding our advocacy on various issues. She also plays a key role in making Origin a welcoming space for groups to gather and plan initiatives that drive positive change in our communities.
Victoria
Victoria, an expert flower grower with years of experience in vegetable cultivation, leads our volunteers in planning growing seasons, organising training events, and ensuring new volunteers are seamlessly integrated into our team.