Collaborating with local health and heritage services, the Heritage Linkworker connects local people who are referred to social prescribing services with heritage activities and organisations in Great Yarmouth and Waveney, including within the Heritage Action Zones in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

This pilot project aims to demonstrate heritage’s potential as a social prescription via appointment of a Heritage Link Worker.

Collaborating with local health and heritage services, the Heritage Linkworker connects local people who are referred to social prescribing services with heritage activities and organisations in Great Yarmouth and Waveney, including within the Heritage Action Zones in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. The project addresses the barriers that prevent people on low income and with poor health from enjoying local heritage.

We are running fortnightly groups in Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Lowestoft where people pursue their interests in local history, make creative responses in art, photography and writing and enjoy new friendships.

The project is largely funded by Historic England, with extra support from Adnams Community Trust, Norfolk Community Foundation Mental Health Fund, the Fuller Fund and Barchester Healthcare.

We are glad to be working with partners, places and artists including DIAL, The Grit in Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth Library, Pavilion Theatre Gorleston, Under Open Sky and many others. Heidi Fisher of Make an Impact CIC is carrying out evaluation and impact research.