Kin Collective: Nurturing Families, One Step at a Time
This case study demonstrates that when an organisation addresses critical community needs, initial struggles don’t define its potential. It also highlights Firstport’s commitment to nurturing promising social enterprises, regardless of their early challenges.
Kin Collective, a family well-being hub in Edinburgh, Scotland, was founded in 2020 to reduce parental isolation and loneliness. Despite facing setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation has grown and significantly impacted the community.
About the Organisation
Kin Collective is a social enterprise that provides a safe and welcoming space for expectant and new parents. Its services include:
- Family well-being hub: Offering antenatal and postnatal courses, classes, and workshops.
- Kin swap and share project: A platform for parents to exchange used baby goods and clothes.
- Peer support groups: Offering emotional support and advice to parents.
Kin Collective’s primary goal is to improve parental and infant mental health by promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being in the perinatal period.
About the Founder
Kathryn Lawrence, a mother of two with lived experience in perinatal mental health, founded Kin Collective. Inspired by her own experiences and the statistics on parental isolation, she sought to create a community-based organisation that would provide support and resources to families.
Firstport’s Support
Firstport’s initial funding in 2021 played a crucial role in helping Kin Collective establish its online presence and expand its services. The Start It award provided the organisation with the resources to develop its website, pay rent, and cover administrative expenses.
With this initial support, Kin Collective increased its income by renting its premises to other organisations and businesses. This led to a growth in the number of activities, groups, and classes offered and an increase in participation in the peer support programme.
In mid-2023, Kin Collective received a Build It award, which enabled them to hire staff and expand their organisational capacity. This investment has allowed the organisation to continue its growth and enhance its impact on the community.
Impact
Pic Credit: Kin Collective
Kin Collective has made a significant impact on the community by:
- Reducing parental isolation: Providing a safe and welcoming space for parents to connect and support one another.
- Improving parental mental health: Offering resources and support to address the challenges of parenthood.
- Supporting families in need: Providing access to essential baby items through the Kin swap and share project.
A bright future for parents and families
Kin Collective’s journey from a difficult start to a thriving social enterprise is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and strategic funding. With the continued support of Firstport and the dedication of its founder and team, Kin Collective is well-positioned to continue its mission of promoting family well-being and making a lasting difference in the community.
What’s now
Currently, the Kin studio in Leith is home to antenatal and postnatal courses and classes, alongside a programme of well-being activities for parents, babies and children. You can click here to explore their daily sessions.
Also, support and keep updated about Kin Collective by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Visit our start-up page to learn more about how Firstport can support your social enterprise journey.