Not So Grim Up North (2015-2018) was a research project collaboration between University College London (UCL) and museum partners: Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, and Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM), funded by Arts Council England.

The aim of the project was to investigate the health and wellbeing impact of museum and gallery activities for three audience groups: people living with dementia, stroke survivors and mental health service-users (including addiction recovery service-users).

The research has demonstrated the positive health outcomes (including increased psychological wellbeing, improved motivation, increased confidence and self-esteem, and acquisition of new skills) associated with TWAM and Manchester Museums’ sector-leading wellbeing programmes.