Delivering health and wellbeing activities through co-production and partnership working
The Scottish Maritime Museum has developed its health and wellbeing work through the
Working Together project, delivered in partnership with the Cultural Health and Wellbeing Alliance, the Group for Education in Museums, and supported by a Museums Galleries Scotland funded community engagement and development officer post.
Since 2021, the museum’s engagement team had been approached by a range of third sector organisations seeking wellbeing‑focused activities. Recognising the need to upskill and define its role within this sphere, the museum began the project in 2022, incorporating training in trauma‑informed practice, professional boundaries, and co‑production methodologies.
Through this work, the museum has developed meaningful partnerships with Barnardo’s South West Scotland, North Ayrshire Ukrainian Community, the Irvine Youth Legacy Centre, Irvine Seniors’ Forum, and local families.
The activity has included family wellbeing sessions, creative activities inspired by the museum’s collection, participatory artist‑led workshops, community exhibitions, and new volunteering pathways.
A museum‑wide commitment to accessibility and trauma awareness has been established, with staff from front of house to board level participating in training. The learning and engagement team now embeds co‑production in its community work, incorporating partner feedback to introduce inclusive resources such as a symbol‑based widget communication system and co‑designed sensory bags with families.
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Staff wellbeing has also been prioritised with the training of five Mental Health First Aiders, enabling better internal support and signposting.
The museum aimed to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that encouraged creativity, family connection, and confidence‑building. Feedback highlighted increased wellbeing, reduced social anxiety, and improved access to creative experiences that would previously have been out of reach. Young people benefited from new social connections and shared experiences.
The museum’s growing understanding of the local health and social landscape, along with clearer communication with third sector partners, has strengthened trust, clarified boundaries, and fostered sustainable collaboration. Rather than prioritising participant numbers, the focus shifted to meaningful impact for individuals, facilitators, and the organisation.
The museum’s commitment to co‑production continues, including early steps toward establishing a community action group to ensure ongoing community voice and long‑term positive outcomes.