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Healing: expression and inclusion through heritage

In this section

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.   

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Archaeology on Prescription 

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Case Studies

Well-City Salisbury 

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.

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Project Rejuvenate 

Wessex Archaeology is introducing Historic England's ground-breaking Rejuvenate pilot programme, where archaeology and heritage come together to enhance the well-being of young people.

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Operation Nightingale 

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.

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Evidence

Academic papers 

Other evidence 

Resources

  • Change Minds

    Change Minds is a unique heritage, creative, wellbeing project engaging those living with mental health problems. Participants use historical archives to research and develop creative responses to the lives of asylum patients in the past, developing a deeper understanding of their own experience along the way
    Sectors:
    Heritage
    Area of work:
    Mental Health

  • Human Henge

    Human Henge brought together archaeology and creativity through immersive experiences of historic landscapes to enhance mental health and wellbeing. The partnership project ran between 2016 - 201, led by the Restoration Trust in partnership with Richmond Fellowship, English Heritage, the National Trust, and Bournemouth University, and supported by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. It is now being delivered online: https://restorationtrust.org.uk/human-henge/.
    Sectors:
    Heritage
    Area of work:
    Mental Health

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