Welcome to
Origins NI

We are here to provide information support and care for people researching origin stories.

We are based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Welcome to Origins

An introduction to Family Routes our ‘parent organisation’ from Lynda Wilson our Chief Executive.

‘A family life for everyone’

Family Routes is an independent charity organisation with five distinct services offering a range of support and counselling to those affected by adoption and fertility issues.

We exist to listen, understand, support and enable.

What is Origins?

Origins is a Family Routes service providing free information, guidance and counselling for those seeking their origins and possible reconnection with birth family.

With access to the archives of services provided by the Church of Ireland from the early 1900s, including over 600 adoption files dating back to 1950.

Origins has access to extensive records associated with two Mother and Baby Homes: Kennedy House and Hopedene Hostel.

Our aim is to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible, while also being respectful and supportive for what can be an emotional journey.

We are here to provide support and counsel throughout your research.

We will also act as an intermediary for those wishing to reconnect with a biological relative and can help facilitate initial meetings of birth families as appropriate.

Social workers can also contact us to check for files regarding adoption.

We work in partnership with the Family History Association, Adopt NI and the 5 Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland Belfast, Northern, South Eastern, Southern and Western.

Please contact us on Tel: 028 9073 6080.

We are here to provide support and counsel throughout your research.

Origins at Family Routes: an introduction and what to expect

Origins NI at Family Routes on Heron Road

We look forward to seeing you.