Earlier this year, our Engagement and Impact team piloted a new creative health project designed to have a positive impact on the mental health of Year 9 boys at a school in South Yorkshire. The initiative, Trenchmates,was funded by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust as part of Rotherham’s Children’s Capital of Culture initiative and supported by NHS Mental Health Support Team With Me in Mind.
Over eight sessions, students were given hands on experience of a real archaeological investigation. Activities included studying historic maps of the area, carrying out geophysical surveys, taking soil samples for environmental analysis, and, finally, opening up trenches in their school playing field. Alongside 19th century artefacts from the site’s agricultural past, their work also revealed a mysterious and previously unknown rectangular enclosure.
Students were empowered to make decisions throughout the project, choosing where to excavate and what moments of their journey to document. Weekly sessions provided a welcoming, informal space for the boys to feel at ease and express themselves while engaged in a practical activity. For our Engagement team, Trenchmates continues to offer a huge amount of learning and has hammered home the benefits of heritage engagement for young people.
The project culminated in the creation of an archaeology-themed garden, with students planting native trees, plants, and food crops identified in the environmental samples taken from their school playing field. This new green space, named Trench Wood by participants, will become a living legacy of the boys’ achievements.
Arran Johnson, Senior Heritage Inclusion and Engagement Officer, said:
“Wessex Archaeology has long been a champion of the creative health movement, with projects such as Well City Salisbury and Project Rejuvenate demonstrating how non-clinical interventions can have transformative effects on the wellbeing of participants.
Our young Trenchmates challenged us and surprised us with their wit and insight. They also reminded us that archaeology can be really fun, and we hope that the team will look back on this experience with fond memories and great pride.”
Gemma Thomas, Engagement Lead at With Me In Mind, said:
“With Me In Mind were delighted to partner with Wessex Archaeology and Wentworth Woodhouse on this exciting project. Our research with boys and young men in Rotherham highlighted a desire for opportunities to explore mental health and wellbeing through practical activities and outdoor experiences. Trenchmates provided the perfect opportunity to bring this feedback to life. It was fantastic to see the students’ confidence grow and friendships develop throughout the programme, whilst giving them the opportunity to take part in such a unique and memorable experience.”
It is hoped that similar projects could be rolled out in future, helping more teenagers to build confidence and self-esteem through archaeology.