About the West Riding Heritage Project

Our Roots: More Than Just History

Rotherham and the West Riding have a legacy built on grit, industry, and a deep-seated sense of "looking out for your own." At the West Riding Heritage Project, we carry that legacy forward. We believe that our shared history isn’t just something to be kept in a museum—it is a foundation upon which we can build a healthier, happier future by building stronger communities. 

In the heart of South Yorkshire, we know that times can be tough. But we also know that our community’s greatest strength is its people.

Our Heart: Healing Through Connection

Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Often, the best way to heal is to feel part of something bigger. We use our local heritage as a bridge to mental wellbeing, creating spaces where stories are shared, traditions are celebrated, and people feel seen, heard, and valued.

By rediscovering the stories of the people who built this region, we help residents rediscover their own resilience. Whether it’s through a "heritage brew" session, a local history talk, or a creative project, we focus on healing through connection.

People Over Profit

The West Riding Heritage Project is registered as a Community Interest Company (C.I.C.). This means we are a social enterprise  dedicated to the benefit of Rotherham.

We don’t have shareholders. Instead, we have a "Social Mission":

  • Reinvesting in Rotherham: We invest our time and energy into providing free mental health support and community workshops.

  • Empowering the Grassroots: We provide Mental Health support that local groups need to thrive, ensuring our community’s grassroots spirit remains safe and compliant.

What We Do

  • Heritage Therapy: Using workshops to combat social isolation build carpentry and other skills and boost mental wellbeing.

  • Building Community: Creating "Safe Harbour" spaces for peer support and conversation.

A Message From Our Founders

"We started the West Riding Heritage Project because we saw too many of our neighbours struggling in silence. We wanted to build something that felt like home—a place where the heritage of our town meets a modern approach to mental health. We aren’t just an organisation; we’re your neighbours, and our door is always open."

Join Us

Whether you want to share a story from the past, learn a new skill, or simply find a supportive community that understands where you’re coming from—you are welcome here.

 

 

West Riding Heritage Project C.I.C. 

Registered Office:Rotherham