Wellbeing Through Culture, Heritage and Community
13th May 2026
This Mental Health Awareness Week, Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust are highlighting some of the projects and groups we support that show how creativity, heritage, nature, and community spaces can support positive mental health and help people feel more connected.
Feels Like Home Group
Feels Like Home supports refugees and asylum seekers new to Barnsley through music, culture, volunteering, and friendship. The group helps reduce isolation and build confidence through shared creative experiences.
From writing songs at Wentworth Castle Gardens to sharing food, creating lanterns for Little Amal’s visit, and building friendships, participants are supported to settle into life in Barnsley while developing a strong sense of belonging.
The Next Big Thing Group
The Next Big Thing gives young people facing barriers to education and the arts the chance to explore heritage, nature, and storytelling through creative projects across Barnsley Museums sites.
Through activities at Wentworth Castle Gardens, Elsecar Heritage Centre, and Worsbrough Mill Museum & Country Park, young people are encouraged to express themselves, build skills, and connect with others in supportive environments.
Opening Doors Group
At Worsbrough Mill Museum & Country Park, the Opening Doors group supports young people aged 11 to 25 with physical and learning disabilities through weekly volunteering sessions.
Thanks to funding from Ironmongers, D’Oyly Carte, Awards for All, and Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust, the group continues to grow and even care for their own plot of land at the park. These sessions help build confidence, reduce isolation, encourage independence, and create lasting friendships.
Know Your Neighbourhood Project
The Know Your Neighbourhood project tackled loneliness by bringing people together through film screenings, creative workshops, Natter Cafés, museum visits, and shared storytelling.
People who once felt disconnected were able to meet others, share experiences, and feel part of their community again. Funded by Historic England, the project showed how simple connections can have a powerful impact on wellbeing.
Green Social Prescribing
Green Social Prescribing sessions at Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens supported wellbeing through nature and creativity.
Activities such as mindful walks and art for wellbeing sessions helped people slow down, connect with nature, and focus on their mental health in a calm and welcoming setting. The feedback highlighted how valuable access to green and cultural spaces can be.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is vital for children’s wellbeing, helping to build confidence, creativity, and emotional resilience. It also supports families in spending quality time together away from screens and daily pressures.
With children now spending significantly less time outdoors than previous generations, this week is a reminder to explore local green spaces such as Cannon Hall, Worsbrough Mill, and Elsecar Heritage Centre. We have proudly supported projects such as the Trim Trail play equipment at Cannon Hall and the Mud Kitchen at Worsbrough Mill through our funding programmes.
Indoor Play
Indoor play supports learning, development, and wellbeing through creativity, imagination, and hands on experiences. Across Barnsley Museums sites, children can develop social skills, confidence, and coordination while engaging in safe and stimulating activities. It is a valuable way to support emotional and cognitive development throughout the year.
Thanks to generous grants from Tesco Stronger Starts and Cash for Kids, we were thrilled to refresh and replace our toys and costumes.
Volunteering at Cannon Hall Museum
Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens is currently looking for more volunteers to join its friendly team.
Volunteering is a great way to improve wellbeing, build confidence, meet new people, and feel part of the community. It also offers the chance to learn new skills and connect with local heritage in a meaningful way.
For more information, contact museumvolunteering@barnsley.gov.uk
