Using history to combat loneliness and isolation during pandemic in Doncaster

A new report published by Heritage Doncaster may offer a glimmer of hope for those living with the devastating effects of isolation during the lockdown.

“Just about every museum in the country is trying to find ways to engage with a wider audience – and we’ve seen brilliant initiatives during lockdown like #MuseumAtHome,” said project manager, Victoria Reeves.

“But this report shows how they can engage with new people, not only to share the enthusiasm for the past, but to make a real difference to the wellbeing and health of people who might not normally engage with heritage organisations.”

As part of the project, Heritage Doncaster’s team and volunteers had spent over 300 hours with the local community, taking the time to chat over 2,500 cups of tea, and bringing to life over 400 objects from the museum collection.

Participants from a huge range of backgrounds – from young mums to those living with dementia- have recreated Roman recipes, designed fashion accessories inspired by historic iconography, set up social clubs, written stories, curated special exhibitions, and shared their own amazing histories, from the joy of sex to rock metal stardom.

“We’d originally set out to help those most at risk of mental health problems in the community, and we’d been really excited about the progress made during the pilot projects in the latter half of 2019,” said Victoria.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come out of their shells, their confidence improving so much that they’d gone from barely speaking a word to giving us the history lessons! “It’s given them a thirst for life and learning.”

Victoria said: “History at school tends to focus on the big picture – places, dates and large events - whereas our collections more often tell the stories of individuals, normal people going about their lives.

“Local people overcoming adversity and beating the odds – suffragettes making a stand against prejudice, the extraordinary resilience of those who faced the Blitz.

“These are stories that people can relate to – these could be their grandparents or great grandparents.

“It helps us make connections, spark conversations, and creativity; it makes us feel as though we belong.”

Over the past few weeks of lockdown, Heritage Doncaster has been encouraging local people to get involved in a new Living Room Museum.

Rallying local people to become tomorrow’s historians by sharing their own experiences of the crisis; and making up care home packages, which include hands-on activities, and some comforting treats.

Victoria said: “During the lockdown, many of us will have felt lonely, stressed, and isolated – but for many others in your neighbourhood, this is their everyday.

“By understanding what it’s like, we’re really hoping that people step forward to help those whose lives won’t go back to normal on the other side of the pandemic – by giving just a little piece of your time, it could mean so much, and you could even help save a life.”

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