12/02/2025 Heritage for Wellbeing: connecting people to place through social prescribing

The innovative project, largely funded by Historic England, aimed to bring people closer to their local heritage via a Heritage Link Worker. One of the successes of the project was its well-established referral pathways. Right from the very beginning partnerships were made between  statutory services, secondary mental health, the voluntary sector and social prescribing link workers, which helped to reach people experiencing a diverse range of issues.   

Darren France, Project Manager at the Restoration Trust led the Heritage Link Worker project and the Heritage for Wellbeing group, together with the Heritage Link Workers Emily and Sophie. Darren explains that “heritage is for everyone”, everybody has a local connection, even if they have only been in a community for a short period of time. Darren describes how heritage social prescribing can connect people as well as create a sense of community and belonging.   

The Restoration Trust project has been transformational for participants, including Adrian Paul-Stott. While struggling with poor mental health, Adrian became a participant with the Restoration Trust in 2018 and he describes how it gave him new tools, abilities and opportunities to deal with his own mental health. Adrian is now a Social Prescribing Link Worker for the Gorleston Primary Care Network, describing it as “the best job in the world”, he is passionate about prescribing heritage activities to his clients.

“The benefits [of heritage social prescribing] have been amazing for those people, it’s been more influential on improving their mental health than clinical processes are.” Adrian also speaks about the reductions to health service use, with reduced GP visits and emergency service demand.  

Valerie described the project as a “life saver”. She had recently moved to Great Yarmouth with her husband when he became terminally ill and sadly passed away. She didn’t know anyone in the area and was struggling with her mobility. Her physiotherapist helped connect her to DIAL, a service for disabled and vulnerable people in Great Yarmouth, who were able to refer her to the Heritage for Wellbeing Group. After her husband died Valerie felt overwhelmed, she said that the group “gives me focus” and that she no longer feels alone.  

Chris was struggling with his mental health when he was referred to the group,  but since joining he “hasn’t looked back”. He heard about the group at the local mental health café and his support worker referred him to the project. Chris said, “Taking part in the Heritage Link project has helped me to overcome some of my mental health issues. It's helped me to connect more with other people.” Chris has developed a newfound passion for history and heritage through the group.  

David was a full-time carer for his wife - when she passed away he lost his partner and his purpose. The palliative care team at the hospital where his wife was looked after referred him to a Link Worker who told him about the project. David describes the group as the friendliest he’s ever met and he now struggles to find a day free. He’s found that it has given him a “purpose in life” and it’s improved his confidence with people.  

Robert describes working with the Restoration Trust as the “most fulfilling” thing he has ever done. Through the project he has rediscovered creative outlets, engaging in photography and drawing. Robert has bipolar disorder, and he shares the importance of these outlets for managing his condition, especially drawing which helps him to slow down. He reflects on how proud he is of the Restoration Trust and the Heritage for Wellbeing group because it helps people connect with each other and the place they live in.