The Heritage Connectors project, a recent pilot in Frome, has successfully extended the town’s “Community Connectors” model to the world of local heritage, making heritage a new avenue for social prescribing. Led by Frome Medical Practice’s Health Connections team from October 2022 to November 2023, this 11-month initiative trained local residents to guide their neighbours to heritage-based wellbeing activities. The goal being to help people in Frome access social prescribing opportunities that connect them with local history and culture, enhancing both mental and physical wellbeing.
“We’ve definitely noticed a shift in understanding,” shared one project stakeholder. “Some were sceptical about the wellbeing benefits of heritage. But after attending sessions and seeing the impact, it really changed our views.”
The pilot aimed to explore the potential of heritage activities to foster wellbeing, support a diverse range of participants, and build awareness of social prescribing’s benefits. To make this vision a reality, the project worked with partners like Frome Heritage CIC, Frome Town Council, and the Frome Society for Local Study. Together, they mapped local heritage resources, trained 70 Heritage Connectors, and created a toolkit for future projects.
Central to the Heritage Connectors model were three key access points: a dedicated website, a phone line, and a physical space. Hosted by Discover Frome, the website marked the first time heritage was listed as a wellbeing activity on an NHS advice platform. A local phone line and the “Heritage Café”, a monthly event at a popular Frome café offered more personalised ways for people to learn about local heritage and connect with relevant activities.
The project emphasised reaching diverse groups, including people living with dementia, caregivers, and those with disabilities. By engaging with individuals who might not traditionally explore heritage sites, the Heritage Connectors helped break down barriers and create a more inclusive community. Heritage Connectors reported a deeper knowledge of local history and increased opportunities to participate in heritage activities, leading to enhanced wellbeing for all involved.
Lessons from the pilot show the value of clear communication and targeted support for people with high needs. The project also highlighted the importance of building trust and partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders.
The success of the Heritage Connectors project in Frome demonstrates how social prescribing can bring heritage into the healthcare fold. As part of the Community Connector toolkit, this project now serves as a case study for other areas eager to embed heritage in social prescribing pathways, showing how community-rooted initiatives can make a lasting impact on health and wellbeing.
