World Mental Health Day: Well-being Through Archaeology and Heritage
Heritage and archaeology provide unique opportunities to connect with the past, gain perspective, and foster a sense of belonging. Whether through active participation in digs, exploring historic sites, engaging with storytelling, or getting creative, these activities offer numerous mental health benefits, enhancing our overall well-being.
The Wellbeing & Heritage Working Group: Our Mission
The Wellbeing & Heritage Working Group was formed to create a platform for heritage and archaeology professionals to share best practices and experiences related to mental well-being. Our goals include:
- Create a wellbeing & heritage community of practice, facilitating discussion, networking and collaboration in the area
- Developing a framework to embed well-being into heritage practices, which includes creating tools such as evaluation frameworks, guidance, and training.
- Promoting collaborative efforts across the sector to highlight the well-being benefits of heritage.
- Lobbying for wellbeing benefits of heritage and the historic environment.
Open to any heritage organisation or professional interested in learning, the Working Group is a fantastic way for individuals to collaborate and share their experiences in the field.
Interested in joining? Find out more here.
Wellbeing and Heritage Conference 2024
To further raise awareness of the value of heritage for wellbeing, the 2024 Wellbeing and Heritage Conference brought together professionals, researchers, and advocates from across the sector. Hosted by the CBA, Historic England, Southampton Institute for Arts and Humanities (SIAH), and Delapre Abbey, this conference explored heritage and wellbeing through a series of sessions on topics from equality, community, mental health, and more.
With over 100 delegates attending the March 2024 event in person and online, the conference was a landmark moment in highlighting the powerful potential connection between heritage and wellbeing.
Recordings of the event are available on the CBA’s YouTube channel, where you can catch up on all the presentations and insights from the two-day event.
Out and About Archaeology: Exploring Wellbeing Outdoors
If you’re looking for an easy and fulfilling way to boost your well-being, why not take part in the CBA’s Out and About Archaeology events? Our guided walks and self-guided activities offer a unique way to experience the well-being benefits of archaeology while exploring the great outdoors. Whether you’re walking in a forest, discovering hidden heritage sites, or joining virtual activities, exploring the archaeology of the outdoors can provide a calming, enriching experience that can help improve wellbeing.
From self-guided digital walks to on-demand activities, we offer a range of ways to connect with heritage while improving your well-being. You can join our Executive Director Neil Redfern and author Jim Leary on a guided walk in North Yorkshire and simply follow along from home.
Young Archaeologists and Wellbeing
Heritage isn’t just for adults—it has profound benefits for young people too. Our Young Archaeologists' Club (YAC) is a prime example of how engaging with archaeology can have a lasting positive impact on youth wellbeing. Recently, we conducted a comprehensive YAC Impact Report, which looked at how the club's activities—ranging from fieldwork to crafting—enhance young people’s lives.
The findings were clear: YAC members not only enjoy the hands-on aspects of archaeology, but they also experience increased confidence, improved social skills, and a greater sense of belonging, all key aspects of well-being.
Find out more about YAC and how you can get involved here:
Discover more insights from our YAC impact study here.
Crafting for Wellbeing
Crafting and getting creative can significantly enhance well-being and promote relaxation. Engaging in hands-on activities not only sparks joy but also provides a productive outlet for self-expression. We have compiled a collection of crafting activities from the Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) that are perfect for young people, families, or anyone looking for a fun project to dig into.
Ways to Engage
For more ways to engage, check out our upcoming events, join our newsletter for ongoing updates, or explore more activities online.
On this World Mental Health Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate how archaeology and heritage connect us—not just to the past, but to our present and future well-being. Through these experiences, we can create more resilient, connected, and mindful communities, with heritage playing a key role in fostering well-being.