Mersey Cares partners with Origami Pulse CIC to support staff wellbeing

The Impact of Origami: A Creative path to wellbeing

We're excited to  partner with Origami Pulse CIC and our Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service to deliver free monthly online origami workshops for staff. These sessions have been made possible thanks to National Lottery funding and will run for the next twelve months.

A holiday for the mind

Led by Dr Lizzie Burns, each 45-minute workshop provides a calming, creative space where participants can take a break from daily pressures – with nothing more than a piece of paper. No experience is needed, and staff are welcome to join as many sessions as they like.

Think Origami is just folding paper? Think again! The artform offers a mindful activity that helps reduce stress, improve focus, and boost creativity. As Dr Lizzie explains: “Origami is a practical way to bring you into the moment for calm and focus, to give a ‘holiday for the mind’.”

Why origami works

•  Reduces stress through mindful, calming activity
•  Improves focus and hand-eye coordination
•  Boosts creativity and self-esteem
•  Encourages connection and relaxation

We were thrilled to discover that these benefits were felt by participants from the first session which was attended by over 30 Mersey Care staff. The feedback afterwards was incredible with staff reflecting on the positive opportunity to pause, breathe, and create something beautiful.

Amazing feedback from staff

One nurse said, "I've really enjoyed myself thank you! It was just what I needed during a busy working day." while another shared "That was so relaxing, I definitely feel more chilled." 

One team took part in the session together and shared afterwards that they found the experience a lot of fun and enjoyed the therapeutic benefits. 

"We have done it with a few team mates and have had a laugh, thank you so much, Lizzie."

The power of paper folding 

Lizzie works alongside colleague and friend, Zulay Sayalero, who is currently delivering origami workshops in Southport as part of the project “From the Heart: Creativity and Resilience for Southport”. This initiative brings the same sense of calm and creativity to local communities, in particular the Southport community, helping people build resilience through art following the devastating attacks there in 2024.

Our motto is: “improving life one fold at a time’, said Lizzie, "it really can be so beneficial."

Read our interview with Lizzie and learn more about this incredible wellbeing initiative.