Our charity first partnered with Lizzie Burns of Origami Pulse in September, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. The aim was to provide staff with a calm, creative outlet to support wellbeing—particularly for those working in high‑pressure healthcare roles. Since then, monthly sessions have been offered to Mersey Care and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre staff, with many participants sharing how transformative the experience has been.
A Pause, A Fold, A Moment of Calm
Each 45‑minute session gives staff a chance to step away from the pace of the working day and engage in a mindful activity proven to help reduce stress. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:
- “It helped me to relax and feel calmer.”
- “We did this together as part of a group and it has been so beneficial and a real laugh.”
- “I’ve really enjoyed myself, thank you. Just what was needed during a busy working day.”
These reflections highlight just how powerful simple, creative moments can be for mental wellbeing.
Why Origami Helps With Stress
Origami is more than a creative craft, it’s a proven tool for mindfulness and stress reduction. The process of folding paper:
- encourages focus on the present moment,
- slows down breathing and thinking,
- provides a sense of achievement,
- and offers the calming rhythm of repeated, gentle movement.
This helps quieten the mind, much like meditation, making it especially valuable for staff whose day-to-day roles can be emotionally and mentally demanding.
As Lizzie explains:
“We all need to look after ourselves. Origami is a practical way to bring you into the moment for calm and focus, to give a ‘holiday for the mind’. No experience is needed – all you need is paper!”
Read more about Lizzie and Origami Pulse in our latest interview.
Want to have a go at mindful origami yourself? Check out Lizzie's YouTube channel where you'll find a library of origami folds with over 300 videos!