Well-City Salisbury project has been granted a substantial £368,135 from the National Lottery Community Fund, ensuring its return for another three years starting in Spring 2025. This follows three successful years in which the initiative has empowered residents by providing arts and heritage courses aimed at supporting those with low to medium mental health needs.
The project’s innovative approach brings together the expertise of four key Salisbury-based organisations: ArtCare, Wessex Archaeology, Wiltshire Creative, and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. With this renewed funding, Well-City Salisbury will be able to extend its reach, offering creative sessions led by professional artists and practitioners, while also developing resources to connect with a broader online audience.
Well-City Salisbury’s social prescribing model is a core part of its structure, with participants referred by GP practices, support groups, community organisations, and school wellbeing teams. Self-referrals are also welcomed, emphasising inclusivity and accessibility. The programme aims to foster a sense of connection—to arts, heritage, nature, and community—providing free 10-week courses for adults and young adults.
Since its inception, Well-City Salisbury has delivered 29 creative courses, engaging 191 participants and collaborating with 19 local artists and 18 referral organisations. The project also hosted 53 community events and trained 54 individuals in mental health awareness. Impressively, 85% of participants achieved their personal goals, with 99% expressing interest in attending future courses, and 96% likely to continue engaging with arts, culture, and heritage activities.
Looking forward, Well-City Salisbury aims to enhance its impact by working with new guest delivery partners to broaden its scope and reach more diverse audiences. Project leader Leigh Chalmers shared her enthusiasm: “We’re delighted that Well-City Salisbury can continue for another three years thanks to the support of the National Lottery Community Fund. This means we can build upon our successes and present participants with more opportunities to engage with the project. We can’t wait to welcome people back and to reach out to new participants who might be interested in joining.”
Dr Stuart Eve, Chief Executive of Wessex Archaeology, spoke about the unique nature of the project: “Well-City Salisbury is one of those once-in-a-lifetime projects that is born out of a need to effect real change in the lives of our communities. Engagement with heritage not only enriches people’s lives but fosters new relationships, skills, and opportunities for Salisbury and beyond.”
ArtCare Project Officer Lesley Self added: “Thanks to the continued support of the National Lottery, we are able to develop our offer to support people at Salisbury District Hospital and in the community with their mental health and wellbeing.”
Rosa Corbishley, Executive Director of Wiltshire Creative, reflected on the project’s alignment with the organisation’s mission: “Supporting the mental wellbeing and creativity of our communities is at the heart of Wiltshire Creative’s mission. We look forward to working with our partners across the city to ensure more people can live happy and healthier lives and create the space to explore their own history and stories.”
Damian Haasjes, Director of Education and Wellbeing at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, expressed his support: “Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is proud to partner with Well-City Salisbury as we know first-hand what a positive impact these programmes have on improving people’s mental health and wellbeing.”
For more information on how to participate or support Well-City Salisbury, visit their website: Home – Well-City Salisbury.
