Wellbeing and Younger People
This page covers work on improving wellbeing for younger people through interactions with heritage.
Introduction
Disadvantage gaps emerge early and persist; they impact education and life satisfaction. Young people with mental health conditions are nearly five times more likely to be economically inactive compared to others. Heritage can help young people thrive: through building resilience, creativity, and self-determination.
- Protective factors: Schools, Youth Justice, and social programmes can embed heritage to support wellbeing, while local spaces like parks, skateparks and community spaces are vital for enabling opportunities.
- Response to need: Tailored provision for young people, for example those facing disadvantage.
Projects
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Wellbeing Case Study: Project Rejuvenate
A case study of a project to help the wellbeing of vulnerable young people through participating in archaeology.
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History in the Making
A fund focussing on young people’s engagement with overlooked local history.
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Young Advisers
The team of Young Advisers represent the rich and interesting future of heritage in the UK. Find out more about them.
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Heritage Schools
Find out about our Heritage Schools programme, helping school children across the country learn about their local heritage and its significance.
Evidence
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Young People
Evidence on heritage engagement amongst young people and its benefits.
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Project Rejuvenate: Report on an Initiative to Help Vulnerable Young People Through Interactions with Heritage
Research into the most effective ways to improve the lives of vulnerable young people.
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Project Rejuvenate: evaluating pilots for heritage and archaeology-led wellbeing programmes for young people; Research Reports Series 77/2024
Evaluating a school and youth offending archaeology project.
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Project Rejuvenate Final Report of Kent Implementation Stage 2024; Historic England Research Reports Series; 6/2025.
Project description and impact report.
Resources
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Wessex Archaeology: Video for Rejuvenate Development Stage Testing the Model
In March 2022 Wessex Archaeology teamed up with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and local artist Emma Kerr to give the young people of St. Joseph's Catholic School the opportunity to learn outdoor crafts and get creative.
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Wessex Archaeology Video -Project Rejuvenate: 12 weeks Connecting Young People with Archaeology and Nature
Taking inspiration from prehistoric Britain, young people explored the idea of settlements and community in three locations. Discover more as the young people participating share all about the experience.
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