Heritage Connects: history, community and public health

This project addresses heritage, a seldom-explored dimension of social capital, and how it affects wellbeing in urban areas. 

Taking east Belfast as a case study, where levels of social capital and social cohesion have historically been low and health inequalities high, the research will investigate the role of heritage in individuals’ wellbeing and health. It will employ a mixture of quantitative and qualitative surveys, focus groups and public engagement activities with the communities living near two historic parks in east Belfast.