The ORIGIN (Optimising cultural expeRIences for mental health in underrepresented younG people onlINe) project is a groundbreaking £2.61 million research initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It aims to improve the mental health of diverse young people aged 16-24 through co-designing an online arts and culture intervention.

ORIGIN launched in January 2024 through an event co-produced with young people. Featuring interactive stations and feedback opportunities, the event sought input from attendees, including young people, local schools, and charities, to shape the project's direction.

Mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, are prevalent among young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups like LGBTQ+, autistic, ethnic minorities, and those living in deprived areas or on NHS waiting lists. Ensuring research resonates with its intended beneficiaries is crucial. However, there is often a disconnect between those contributing to research and those experiencing its impact. Traditional mental health resources and interventions often fail to resonate with these diverse populations, leading to disengagement and perpetuating disparities.

The ORIGIN project builds upon the successful O-ACE study, where an online cultural experience called 'Ways of Being' showed promising results in reducing negative feelings among young people when compared to traditional museum websites.

• ORIGIN takes an innovative approach by actively involving young people in the co-design process of an 'online museum' platform. This collaborative effort brings together NHS Trusts, multiple UK universities, and museum and charity partners, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise are integrated.
• Young people play a central role in shaping the online arts and culture intervention, ensuring it aligns with their preferences, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences. This co-creation process is expected to enhance the intervention's relevance, accessibility, and engagement among underrepresented youth.
• The intervention's effectiveness will be rigorously tested in a large-scale trial involving nearly 1,500 young people from underrepresented groups across various regions of the UK.

• Culturally relevant intervention: The ORIGIN project has the potential to greatly benefit the mental wellbeing of diverse young people by providing an online intervention that is culturally relevant and easy to access.
• Fostering ownership and trust: By actively involving underrepresented young people in the design process, the project aims to make them feel a sense of ownership and trust, which will ultimately make them more likely to engage with and stick to the intervention.
• Bridging gaps and reducing disparities: Through this innovative approach, ORIGIN aims to bridge the gap between traditional mental health resources and the unique needs of underrepresented young populations. By addressing mental health challenges in a way that is responsive to different cultures, the project can help reduce disparities and promote fair access to effective mental health support.
• Informing future initiatives: The findings and insights from the project can inform future efforts aimed at improving mental health outcomes for diverse populations, paving the way for more inclusive and tailored interventions in the field of mental health care.