History, heritage and culture are all related to other ways to better mental wellbeing. These include:

• learning
• creativity
• the natural world
• how we connect with others

Learning about our past

Learning and experiencing new things are good for mental wellbeing in their own right.

When we learn about the history of the people and places around us, we can feel even more connected to them. Learning about our own heritage contributes to our sense of identity and belonging. Learning about the heritage and cultures of others can increase tolerance and empathy.

Learning from our past can also help us to make sense of difficult times and help us feel hopeful about the future.

Here’s a short film produced by Cadw and Amgueddfa Cymru explaining the benefits to mental wellbeing of learning about our past and taking an interest in our historical sites.

Getting hands on with history

Interacting with our heritage and culture can increase our confidence and positive emotions.

This could involve activities like visiting museums, castles, monuments, historic houses, or churches. Handling historic objects and exploring items from the past can also be a good way to connect with our history and culture.

It may be from enjoying the creativity of our ancestors through art or architecture. Appreciating places and landscapes important to our history and culture is a great way to feel connected to our past, too.

We can explore our natural heritage by getting out and about in local landscapes, historic parks and gardens.

Connecting with our past in this way can help us to feel part of something bigger.

Feeling like we belong

Taking part in activities related to history, heritage and culture can be good for individuals and communities. Visiting places, getting involved with projects, or volunteering can help us to meet people and make new social connections.

Appreciating the everyday heritage of our neighbourhoods can help us feel proud of where we live, or where we’re from, and even feel more empowered as a community.

Feeling connected to our own heritage and culture and understanding how it fits with the wider history of people and places, helps to build a sense of belonging. This is good for our mental wellbeing.