A group of people standing around an archaeological excavation pit.
Project participants in the award-winning heritage social prescribing project 'Heritage Link Worker - Heritage for Wellbeing' during an archaeological dig visit at Arminghall Henge, Norfolk. © The Restoration Trust
Project participants in the award-winning heritage social prescribing project 'Heritage Link Worker - Heritage for Wellbeing' during an archaeological dig visit at Arminghall Henge, Norfolk. © The Restoration Trust

Wellbeing, Mental Health and Loneliness

This page covers supporting better mental health and tackling loneliness through heritage interactions.

Introduction

Heritage has shown strong potential in supporting mental health, through passive engagement with places and active participation with the historic environment and intangible heritage. It supports connection: reducing isolation and helping to build social confidence and trust.

  • Protective factors: Actively participating in heritage promotes active, connected, and curious living—strengthening mental resilience and trust. Good design in places and cultural memory can support people and reduce isolation.
  • Response to community need: Heritage supports mental wellbeing across diverse groups and settings. Individuals and groups facing high levels of loneliness can be supported better through heritage; participation can reduce isolation.

Projects

  • Connecting People and Place: Valuing the Felt Experiences of Historic Places

    Historic Places are vital for mental health according to this 2026 report published by Historic England and the University of Glasgow.

  • Wellbeing Case Study Heritage Linkworker Project

    A case study of an innovative social prescribing project for linkworkers to involve people in heritage interactions to improve their wellbeing.

  • Wellbeing Case Study: Volunteering for Heritage at Risk

    A case study about assessing wellbeing outcomes for volunteers from completed Heritage at Risk project work.

  • Heritage Connectors

    This 11-month initiative trained local residents to guide their neighbours to heritage-based wellbeing activities.

  • Heritage Buddies

    The pilot, managed by Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) explored how existing volunteers could guide individuals in need towards heritage-based activities to boost their mental and social health.

  • Archaeology on Prescription: York

    The project offers adult participants experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health needs, disability, long-term chronic conditions, and loneliness a chance to take part in archaeological and creative activities to improve their wellbeing.

  • Gorton Monastery

    The Monastery, which is now a secular site, serves as a thriving community hub offering a variety of integrated health and wellbeing services in partnership with local health organisations.

  • Wessex Archaeology: Well City Salisbury

    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.

Evidence

Resources