Archaeology is a wonderful way to make a positive impact on people’s well-being. During this year’s Festival, we will be incorporating the five ways to wellbeing into our events and activities, creating opportunities for people to give, be active, learn, take notice and connect.
There are many ways archaeology can benefit your wellbeing from spending some time in nature at an archaeological site, a mindful moment studying an object, participating in a skills day or field school to learn something new, or spending time with other people at events or volunteering with a local group.
Ideas for organisers
If you would like to organise an event for the Festival why not incorporate the theme? We have included some examples of how you might do this below:
Give
Each year organisers give their time and effort to deliver an event or provide a resource, this can be anything from a hands on activity such as Forestry England’s “Writing in Runes”, an in-person event, or an online event such as Uncovering Roman Carlisle’s talk “The Baths Conceal so Many Secret Joys”.
This is also an ideal opportunity for your audience to give, via volunteering time or making a donation.
Learn
Why not create a resource which can be accessed on demand throughout the year via the Festival of Archaeology website. Or learn a new skill to help you engage with people in a different way. Learn how to use film to tell hidden histories of a place with Jim Butler’s “Creating Hidden Histories” session or find out how to create a podcast just by using your mobile phone with “Podcast training with Chris Gregory of Alternative Stories”.
Take Notice
Could you create an event that focuses on the present with sight, touch, hearing and smell. You might find some inspiration from Rose Ferraby and Rob St John’s excellent sensory walks around York and Aldborough at www.soundmarks.co.uk.
How about engaging people in the community with sight or hearing loss to help create your story?
Get Active
Why not invite members of your community to share their stories or create a local trail which includes information about the local area. Use maps as prompts and encourage people to bring photos or objects that relate to their stories. This could be a family friendly site visit or a guided walk to an archaeological site. You might think about coordinating a picnic or some hands-on activities as part of the event. If you’d like to create a digital trail, take a look at our resource “Create an interactive online walk or trail with Geovey”.
Connect
Why not reach out and connect with other organisers ask them to help shape your event, share the marketing, and tell their audiences about your event. You might like to connect with organisations who could help you bring wellbeing into your event – what about a silent disco at a heritage site or an archaeology themed craft session. The Festival of Archaeology is also an ideal time to highlight volunteering or getting new people involved in your event or in the longer term, your group or organisation.
With your help we can make the Festival of Archaeology a real celebration of all the individuals, groups, societies, and organisations that make archaeology so fantastic and engaging.
Register your interest to get access to our amazing organiser materials:
Organiser Guides
Are you an event organiser? If so, you can use our handy guides to get the most out of your event.
How to Submit Your Event
Take a look at our step-by-step guide to submitting your Festival of Archaeology Event
If you would like to talk to us about how you can incorporate wellbeing into your event, then we would be happy to have a chat. Contact our Festival Coordinator, Debbie Frearson at [email protected].