Volunteering with heritage projects and activities is a powerful way to boost self-esteem and develop a sense of purpose. Whether restoring historic sites, leading guided tours, or archiving local history, volunteers gain valuable skills while contributing to something meaningful. Engaging with others in shared tasks fosters social connection, combats loneliness and enhances overall wellbeing.
Meet the National Trust volunteers caring for nature, beauty and history
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Case Studies
Evidence
Academic papers
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Lewis, C., Siriwardena, N., Laparidou, D., Pattinson, J., Sima, C., Scott, A., Hughes, H., Akanuwe, J. (2022), Wellbeing in Volunteers on Heritage at Risk Projects, Research report 57/2021, Historic England (with storyboard and handbook / toolkit)
Other evidence
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The Benefits of Heritage Volunteering (20230, Heritage Counts, Historic England
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Evaluation of Heritage Buddies and Connectors Scheme (2024), Wavehill Ltd
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Heritage Buddies Project Report (2023), NCVS
Resources
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Heritage at Risk, Volunteering and Wellbeing (2022), Historic England Research, issue 20
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Community Connectors toolkit, with Heritage Connectors case study (2024), Health Connections, NASP, Historic England et al, We Are Connectors
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Heritage Buddies – toolkit and resources (2023), NCVS, Historic England
