Wellbeing Case Study: Kirkham Heritage Health and Wellbeing Programme
A successful programme of heritage and wellbeing community events at Kirkham, Lancashire.
Context of the programme
Kirkham Heritage, Health and Wellbeing programme was part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone initiative (HSHAZ) in Kirkham, Lancashire, in partnership with Fylde Council and Historic England and in collaboration with the NHS, Lancashire County Council and other stakeholders. It ran from 2021-2024, starting with a feasibility study and local consultation in 2021, a pilot phase in early 2022, and a main phase that ran through to March 2024. The programme was devised by Fylde Council in collaboration with Helen Shearn Associates and Phoenix Rising partnership.
It was essential to engage the expertise and experience of local people and communities. A consortium was established to build connections, collaborate and synergise opportunities such as with Lancashire Museum service, Kirkham Treasures and the Kirkham archives, collected at Kirkham’s Parish church, St Michael’s. The programme development included a variety of events, such as the 'Cotton Dance', performed by 'About Time Dance Company' (a heritage dance piece on the historic Market Square) and an 'Age of Inspiration' social and wellbeing event for the most isolated older people, facilitated by 'The Sewing Rooms'.
Evaluation and impact
The evaluation of the Kirkham Heritage, Health & Wellbeing Programme showed that 878 people attended the various community events put on by the programme in total (Soup Socials, Wellbeing Festival, etc.) and the programme directly engaged over 110 individuals through the ongoing heritage and wellbeing groups.
Participants felt taking part in the programme had a positive effect on their wellbeing. The mean wellbeing score on the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale was higher than those from the pilot evaluation in 2022. Interviewees also reported a range of benefits including improved physical and mental health, a decrease in the use of health services, increased confidence, learning new skills and sense of achievement. Life satisfaction rates also increased, together with individual and community wellbeing. Data shows that engaging with local heritage improved participants’ knowledge and appreciation of their town's history and deepened their connection with the town, which was echoed by some stakeholders.
Such was the success of the programme that all the stakeholders were keen to see it continue in some shape or form after 2024. Fylde supported the idea of there being a physical space or ‘hub’ in Kirkham that could support groups and activities that had come out of the programme. Kirkham’s efforts to find a sustainable legacy for the Heritage, Health & Wellbeing Programme continue.
Read the case study at the National Academy for Social Prescribing.
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