The Kirkham Heritage, Health and Wellbeing Programme was part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) initiative in Kirkham, Lancashire. It was developed in partnership with Fylde Council and Historic England, and in collaboration with Kirkham Town Council, the NHS, Lancashire County Council, and other stakeholders. Running from 2021 to 2024, the programme sought to improve local peopleâs health and wellbeing through engagement in heritage-based activities.
Multiple challenges exacerbated isolation and loneliness
Kirkham, an historic market town in the Fylde district, has a rich heritage spanning from Roman times to the Industrial Revolution when it was a textile hub known as âThe Cotton Townâ. In recent years, however, the high street has struggled with declining visitor numbers and shop closures. Health challenges, including an ageing population, long-term conditions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, further exacerbated issues like isolation and loneliness.
Adopting a people-centred approach
Recognising this, Regeneration Programme Manager Andrew Chatterjee developed the Heritage and Wellbeing scheme in 2019 as part of a ÂŁ3 million bid to Historic Englandâs HSHAZ scheme. He saw the need for a people-centred approach alongside physical regeneration. With Historic Englandâs backing, he brought together local stakeholders, including the NHS and public health bodies, to develop a social prescribing programme using heritage-based activities.
Fylde Council commissioned Helen Shearn Associates to conduct a feasibility study, which confirmed that heritage activities could align with the NHS Long Term Planâs priorities. The proposed programme was built around four themes:
- sustainable textiles
- life stories and memories
- healthy living and food
- heritage skills and crafts.
It followed a three-step social prescribing process: referral, consultation with a link worker or self referral and engagement with voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) groups.
A pilot project
The Phoenix Rising Partnership (VCSE collaboration between Green Close, Mandala and The Gathering Fields) was commissioned to run a pilot project, offering taster sessions and then regular weekly activities combining heritage with art, nature, and movement. âWe want our work, like the history of the town, to weave people together, building a new social fabric,â said Sue Flowers, artistic director of Green Close who led the Phoenix Rising Partnership.Â
Engaging local communities was key. The programme launched with âListening to Kirkhamâ, gathering local insights. A consortium was formed to foster collaboration, involving Lancashire Museum Service, Kirkham Treasures, and St Michaelâs Church, and Kirkham in Amounderness Local History and Heritage collection. Events like âThe Cotton Dance' (a heritage dance piece by About Time Dance Company) and an exhibition of artworks for Heritage Open Days to celebrate the Bicentenary of St Michaelâs Parish Church brought heritage to life.
Despite initial enthusiasm from the local NHS trust to fund a dedicated âHeritage Health and Wellbeing Coachâ role, financial constraints meant this didnât materialise. However, social prescribing link workers in Kirkham still referred an estimated five-to-six participants per month.Â
Impact of the programme
The programme reached 878 attendees through events like âSoup Socialsâ and âThe Wellbeing Festivalâ, with over 110 individuals engaging in ongoing heritage and wellbeing groups. On average, 30 people attended each group, with a weekly attendance of nine per group.Â
Participants reported significant benefits, including improved mental and physical health, greater confidence, new skills, and a stronger connection to Kirkhamâs history. Life satisfaction and community wellbeing scores increased, and some participants reported a slight decrease in healthcare usage. Stakeholders echoed the positive impact, noting that engaging with heritage deepened local pride and belonging.
Stakeholders want the programme to continue
Recognising its success, stakeholders wanted the programmeâs legacy to continue beyond 2024. Guided by Phoenix Rising lead Sue Flowers efforts to sustain key elements and secure follow on funding and opportunities were explored with the community, including involvement in the Greening the High Street pilot project. The programme was selected as a finalist for the Award for the Best Heritage Social Prescribing Project 2024
Plans for the future
As a result of this sustained programme of delivery several groups developed during the programme were keen to continue their wellbeing delivery: local people, organisations and venues have all committed to continuing their support beyond 2024. They have gone onto work with Green Close to build a legacy for Kirkhamâs Heritage, Health and Wellbeing Programme with the establishment of Kirkham Thrives.
This has offered mentorship and guidance to fledgling groups and continues to offer a range of free creative health and wellbeing opportunities for the communities of Kirkham and Wesham.
Kirkham Thrives obtained support from Fylde Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK Government), Lancashire County Council, Kirkham Town Council and crowdfunded donations.
