The evidence section of the framework underpins the outcomes triangle and logic model. It lists the sources of evidence that together best demonstrate the contribution of archives to the outcomes.
We have identified some examples of validated national evidence that demonstrate the contribution of archives to outcomes for health and well-being. You may have other examples relevant to your local outcomes.
Stage three of ‘Creating your framework‘ contains a step-by-step guide to reviewing the evidence
‘Advancing the Role of Museums in Health and Social Care’ (National Museums Liverpool, 2022)
This paper reflects on the development and impact of House of Memories as a flagship cultural intervention in dementia care built around the museum objects and social history collections within National Museums Liverpool. The approach aimed to support people living with dementia, enhancing their wellbeing and quality of life, as a potential alternative to medication.
‘Creatively Minded and Heritage’ (The Baring Foundation, 2021)
Report commissioned to showcase how heritage brings significant added value in cross-sectoral social prescribing programmes, to improve people’s mental health and community connections. Case studies include natural and historic environments, archaeology and seven archive examples.
‘Heritage and Wellbeing’ (What Works Wellbeing, 2019)
A scoping review of evidence which found that historic places and assets, and interventions associated with them, can have a wide range of beneficial impacts on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of individuals and communities.
‘Cultural engagement and incident depression in older adults’ (The British Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 214, Iss. 4, 2019)
A paper that explores whether cultural attendance such as visits to the theatre, concerts or opera, the cinema, art galleries, exhibitions or museums by older adults is associated with a reduced risk of developing depression. It concludes that cultural engagement appears to be an independent risk reducing factor for the development of depression in older age.
‘The impact of volunteering in archives‘ (Archives and Records Association, 2018)
Research highlighting the impacts of volunteering in archives and how these affect volunteers, services, and the profession. Volunteers feel the long-term effects of improved health and well-being, new and re-enforced skills and enhanced prospects of employability.