Our Young People’s Service celebrates 10 years

In 2016, we opened a new supported housing service in Camden for young people between the ages of 18 and 25. It launched with 35 young people living in the scheme. Many of them having left local authority or foster care or having had nowhere to go because of a breakdown in family relations. Some of our first residents were refugees.

True to Origin’s ethos, the scheme is not only about housing. The young people also benefit from support. A risk-assessment and a support plan are agreed, outlining the areas the person will need help with. These can be things like signing up for a college course, sorting out their benefits, taking up leisure activities or securing their legal status with the Home Office. 

Fast forward 10 years, and the service has grown to support 58 young people at a time and has helped almost 300 young people in total to take control of their futures. At the end of December 2025:

• 87% of our young people at this scheme participated in Community Engagement activities. This was in the form of physical activities such as attending the gym or playing sports (football, cricket or running) and participating in faith-based activities such as attending Church or Mosque.

• 74% of our young people are in employment, education or apprenticeships:

  • Two are in apprenticeships in childcare with Camden Council

  • Nine are working part-time in roles as varied as salon assistant, swimming instructor, teaching assistant, nail technician, supermarket and retail workers, security guard, and barber.

  • 29 are at college full time.

  • Six young people were volunteering, with Camden Pathway events, at the Red Cross and in a Youth Club.

Summed up by one of our residents: “Origin is the first place that feels like home, and I have made lifelong friends here”.

Watch the interview below to see the positive impact the project has had one Customer: