Heritage plays an essential role in shaping community identity, individual wellbeing, and the conservation of our shared history. Recognizing the powerful link between heritage and wellbeing, Historic England has launched a research project to map the current landscape of heritage-related wellbeing research across the UK and Ireland. This review will cover a five-year span, capturing completed and ongoing projects from universities, research institutions, heritage associations, government bodies, and charities. By focusing on both published research and emerging initiatives, the project aims to provide a forward-looking picture that reflects the latest trends in the field.
This comprehensive appraisal is driven by the need for evidence-based insights that can support long-term, sustainable wellbeing outcomes through heritage-led interventions. By identifying what works—and where gaps remain—the project will inform strategies that enhance both individual and community wellbeing. From models of social prescribing to understanding the unique contributions of intangible heritage, the research will highlight pathways that use heritage to improve mental health, reduce loneliness, and foster social cohesion. These insights will be invaluable in creating policies that maximize heritage’s positive impact on communities.
At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to helping heritage and wellbeing sectors collaborate more effectively, ultimately strengthening both local and national conservation efforts. By identifying key research actors, ongoing projects, and emergent themes, the project will offer Historic England and its partners a roadmap for impactful, future-oriented research and interventions. This work promises to guide heritage-led wellbeing strategies for years to come, supporting a healthier, more connected society through the enduring power of heritage.
Led by Dr Dilshaad Bundhoo, this project will take place over four months, starting in November 2024 . Dilshaad will be supported on the project by Dr Demelza Jones, Dr John Powell, Prof Paul Courtney, and colleagues from the School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences.
CCRI REF: 2024-012
