There is growing evidence for the wellbeing benefits of engaging with heritage and the historic environment. As demonstrated by Historic England and others, there are many ways to improve individual and community wellbeing through heritage - from volunteering and visiting sites, to sharing stories and memories of a place and connecting with others.
This toolkit has been developed following a pilot project delivered by Nottingham Community Voluntary Service for Historic England.
The aim of the pilot was to test the potential of the heritage sector to contribute to the development of local social prescribing and the improvement of individual and community wellbeing through a Heritage Buddies scheme.
What is in the guide?
The guide contains information on:
- Who Heritage Buddies are, the benefits of a Heritage Buddies scheme and the wellbeing benefits for connecting with heritage
- Heritage Buddies and social prescribing pathways
- Principles for developing a Heritage Buddies scheme
- Models to consider for a Heritage Buddies scheme
- Step by step process for setting up a Heritage Buddies scheme
- Further resources and contact information if you need further support
