An outreach programme tackling rural isolation, health inequalities and cultural exclusion in East Sutherland
Developed during Covid recovery, the People’s Mobile Archive (PMA) brings collections, digital tools and creative resources to marginalised groups – older people, carers, refugee families, those with mobility or mental health challenges – through home visits, activity packs and low-barrier public programmes.
Co-designed with local communities and cross-sector partners, the PMA delivers oral history sessions, intergenerational podcasts, climate justice reading groups, film screenings, and collection-based memory work. The project has demonstrable impact: participants report increased connection, confidence and memory recall.
It shows how small museums can meet pressing social and environmental needs through collaboration, care and collections – transforming heritage into a tool for justice and recovery.
The PMA builds sustained partnerships with NHS Highland, Women’s Aid, Dementia Scotland, Highland Pride, Moving Image Archive, Highland Supports Refugees and others. The Library Lounge offers a civic, care-centred space where cultural participation supports wellbeing and social prescribing.
The pilot reached over 800 older participants across Helmsdale, Loth, Kildonan and surrounding areas. Formal evaluation showed reduced isolation, improved mood and stronger social bonds. Feedback evidenced a strong appetite for continued, co-created engagement and cultural participation.
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Where formal provision is limited, the PMA demonstrates that cultural infrastructure can deliver long-term, place-based wellbeing outcomes through embedded, equitable and participatory practice.
Main image: Jacquie Aitken, heritage curator, is leading a heritage walk about the Herring Girls in front of Timespan