Engaging with heritage and archaeology can be a therapeutic tool for self-expression and emotional healing. Getting involved in community archaeology, taking part in authentic activities, such as restoration or research, as well as craft workshops, reminiscence and storytelling help individuals process emotions, get a sense of discovery, build self-esteem and feel part of their community. Inclusive heritage programmes also support diverse voices and ensure everyone’s story is valued and heard.
A social prescribing project, Well-City Salisbury was launched in October 2021 by Wessex Archaeology in partnership with Wiltshire Creative, The Salisbury Museum and ArtCare. The project is about connection – to the arts, the landscape, heritage, community and each other – and provides creative courses for adults and young people aged 14 onwards with low to moderate mental health needs.
Operation Nightingale is a military initiative developed to use archaeology as a means of aiding the recovery of service personnel injured in recent conflict, particularly in Afghanistan.
Academic papers
Everill, P., Bennett, R., Burnell, K. (2020). Dig in: an evaluation of the role of archaeological fieldwork for the improved wellbeing of military veterans, Antiquity 94, 212‐227.
Sayer, F. (2015). Can digging make you happy? Archaeological excavations, happiness and heritage, Arts & Health 7, 247‐260.
Darvill, T., Heaslip, V., Barrass, K. (2018) "Heritage and well-being: Therapeutic places, past and present." Routledge handbook of well-being. Routledge. 112-123.
Other evidence
Heritage Linkworker Project. Final Evaluation Report (2024), Make an Impact CIC
Project Rejuvenate: Final report of Kent Implementation Stage 2024, Historic England, Research Report 6/2025
Project Rejuvenate: evaluating pilots for heritage and archaeology-led wellbeing programmes for young people (2024), Historic England, Research Report 77/2024
Archaeology saved my life, says war veteran (2024), University of Bradford
Creatively Minded and Heritage (2021), Restoration Trust, Baring Foundation
Delapre archaeology wellbeing sessions have given me 'purpose' (2023), BBC News
'There is more to archaeology than Indiana Jones' (2024), BBC News
Innovation Network
Innovation Network
Operation Phoenix - Supporting Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Staff Using Archaeology - presentation at Wellbeing and Heritage Conference, March 2024
Recovering the Fallen: how searching for the dead inspires life for the living - presentation at Wellbeing and Heritage Conference, March 2024
The Lowenna Project – working with care experienced young people - presentation at Wellbeing and Heritage Conference, March 2024
