Newcastle Wellbeing Heritage Project

This project was designed and delivered in direct response to an enquiry in June 2007 from the Wellbeing Project; a group set up by Newcastle Primary Care Trust which looks after the mental health and wellbeing of women and children from BME communities based in the West End of Newcastle.

Previous consultation had identified three general aims the group wished to achieve that they felt would benefit their overall health and wellbeing; one of these was to visit local heritage sites.  The Community Development worker contacted the Outreach Officer who met with the group and together decided on the timings and destinations of the trips.

Part of the group exploring Belsay Hall & Gardens on their first day. 

Six trips have taken place over the summer holidays involving 15 women and 30 children to destinations such as Alnwick Castle, Lindisfarne Priory and Crook Hall in Durham.  For each of the trips each of the women were provided with a disposable cameras to take photographs during the trip; these will be used to help put together a children’s story book about the groups experiences at the sites.

The book is being put together over the autumn with a launch scheduled to take place in late 2007 or early 2008.

Some participant comments…
‘You know, when you first come to a new country, it’s … it’s a real culture shock.  You don’t get out much because you don’t have many opportunities.  A trip like this is really good – you see things you’ve not seen before and learn about English history.’ Visit to Belsay Hall & Gardens.

‘Brilliant, fantastic and wonderful place to visit.  We are all very happy and joyful about this trip.’ Visit to Alnwick Castle & Gardens.

‘Thank you very much for all the trips, they have been lovely.’ Visit to Lindisfarne.