Burgh Castle Almanac, an archaeology, creativity and wellbeing programme for mental health services users in Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Waveney, took place at Burgh Castle Roman Fort and the Time and Tide Museum in Great Yarmouth between January 2018 and May 2021.

“If it hadn’t been for Burgh Castle Almanac, I don’t think I would have been here now.”

Each month, people with complex mental health needs either self-refer or are referred to the project by Stonham Home Group, Access Community Trust and Better Together Norfolk. They would meet to walk around the Roman fort, making a photographic record of the changing seasons.

Sometimes, the group was joined by archaeologists, artists, musicians, environmentalists and other experts to explore the landscape in a range of different ways. In between each monthly walk, the group met at the Time and Tide Museum to make art reflecting their experiences.

“So yeah, the future definitely looks positive. I feel happier in myself. I’ve got a sense of wellbeing back. I’m not lonely anymore. I look at life in a different way. I feel healthier. Mentally healthy. I haven’t had a panic attack now for probably nearly two years. I feel like I’ve been given a new lease of life.”

Burgh Castle Almanac provided a safe, accessible and welcoming environment in which participants who were feeling anxious, depressed, isolated, lonely and withdrawn were able to connect with others, learn new things and engage with history, nature and landscape. Many described taking part as life changing.

The project was delivered by the Restoration Trust, in partnership with Norfolk Archaeological Trust, Access Community Trust and Norfolk Museums Service. The project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of Water, Mills and Marshes, the Broads Landscape Partnership Scheme.

I conducted the evaluation, which explored participant experience as well as partner and stakeholder learning.