The primary aim of the research was to conduct an intensive exploratory study of the experience of participants in the WhoCares? programme, with a view to understanding impacts on their health and wellbeing. The purpose has been to inform museum practice and partnerships with health, welfare and social care sectors.

The research took place over a period of two years (2009-2011) and followed the development and implementation of specific projects targeted at disadvantaged groups in each museum.

The research adopted a psychosocial framework in which the aim is to understand the significance of engagement with museum activities in a number of dimensions: individual responses, interpersonal relationships, institutional and societal contexts.

Part 1 of this report presents an overview of the aims and background of the research, incorporating a selective literature review. Part 2 presents the methodology. Part 3 presents some of the diverse work in the programme. Part 4 therefore draws on data from all sites and presents achievements and difficulties in a highly synthesised analytical form. Part 5 addresses the more complex psychosocial aspects of engagement and, drawing on research observations, identifies the key contributions that these projects made to wellbeing.

Froggett, L., Farrier, A. and Poursanidou, K. (2011). Who cares? Museums, Health and Wellbeing Research Project: A Study of the Renaissance North West Programme. Preston: University of Central Lancashire.