Wellbeing Case Study: Project Rejuvenate
Rejuvenate is a flag-ship demonstration project aimed at expanding the capacity of vulnerable young people where it is suppressed by circumstance or self-belief.
Background
In October 2022, Historic England, Wessex Archaeology and Isle Heritage launched the Rejuvenate Pilot Project based on evidence gathered by earlier feasibility and test phases. Participants build transferable skills such as resilience, critical-thinking and cooperation, all through a stronger connection to the historic environment.
The feasibility work developed a theoretical and evidence-based framework for designing and evaluating a young person’s archaeology and heritage project with wellbeing at its heart.
Piloting
The first stage of full piloting began in late 2022 and ran until October 2023. In Wiltshire, Wessex Archaeology, in partnership with St Joseph’s Catholic School and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, supported young people to actively participate in their local historic environment outside their classrooms and outdoors.
Becoming archaeologists, they designed and created their own Mesolithic settlement, took part in archaeological digs and learned woodland craft activities through weekly meetings for 12 weeks. In Kent, children supported by the Kent Youth Justice Team, worked with Isle Heritage with partners, including the National Trust, to discover the coastal historic environment remaining from World War II by exploring cliffs, tunnels and forts, and excavating sites of importance for the defence of Britain. The projects were made possible by the Historic England Foundation, the Swire Charitable Trust, Edward Vinson 1957 Charitable Trust, Rockthorn.
Evaluating success
The evaluation results showed how the project worked. Evidence showed that there was significant evidenced rise in school attendance – an increase of 6.9% more than a control group with comparable attendance at the start; life changing experiences by young offenders. There were clear wellbeing benefits in areas of confidence, self-acceptance, feeling heard and social connection. The project demonstrated that the greatest impact was seen in those with the lowest starting point. In some cases, the difference captured could double a young person's chances of reaching their potential at school. Children were more likely to feel proud; feel recognised for their achievement and feel their voice was heard.
In the Youth Justice context one participant stated ‘this project could really turn a kid’s life around’. A Youth Justice Worker described it as the best reparations project he had seen in his 40-year career. The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to archeologic work inspired a greater sense of ownership and relatability to their area’s heritage. The children all achieved AQA qualifications and said the program had helped them develop a different perspective on life and that they had moved away from negativity and negative thoughts.
A follow-on project took place in 2024 in Kent thanks to a Benefact Trust Movement for Good Award; New projects in Kent and Dorset are also planned.
In 2024 Isle Heritage delivered a second year of the Rejuvenate project, in partnership with the Youth Justice service in Kent and the National Trust. The program was designed to be responsive to the needs of the reparation context for the Youth Justice team and the participants and ensured a flexible approach to allow agency amongst the young participants. It was delivered over 8 weeks in June-July and a further shorter session in October to November. It was generously supported by a Movement for Good Award.
Six young people took part in the summer offer and an additional 6 in the autumn. Attendance was greater than the 2023 season with 12 young people taking part across 15 sessions and included some young people who lived with autism. A common thread of twentieth-century military archaeology united the sessions: six of the main sessions were held at the National Trust-owned range of military remains at the White Cliffs of Dover, complimented by a visit to the Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge, the nearby cemetery and Fort Burgoyne as new locations for the cohort.
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation was undertaken in 2025. Engagement, reflection and improving soft skills were all developed and a total of 35 AQA certificates to 7 participants were awarded through the AQA Unit Award Scheme.
Taking Rejuvenate further is an important part of our work – the announcement by Isle Heritage that they would be continuing with Rejuvenate as part of their contribution to the local community is to be welcomed; the inclusion of 2 years of Rejuvenate in a second location in Kent within work at Bradbourne Lakes near Sevenoaks, run by the Council and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is also exciting. We want to work together to increase the evidence base and expand the offer to more young people.
We also received evidence of lasting impact of the Rejuvenate schools programme which was delivered by Wessex Archaeology in 2023: 2 years after the programme 100% of Rejuvenate participants had improved attendance compared to 42% off the control group; attendance gains reached over 14% for some children (averaging 7%), which shows improved resilience and substantive behaviour change – helping young people overcome barriers and create opportunities for their own futures.
Also of interest
