Since 2022, Ethos Heritage CIC has run exciting and unique heritage and archaeological projects, as well as Field Schools, that have brought individuals and communities together - especially groups that have not previously experienced heritage activities.
We also work with schools, youth groups, NHS workers and military veterans to achieve this.
What We Strive To Do
Why do we do it?
Ethos Heritage CIC was born from a simple yet powerful idea - that heritage activities can help individuals and communities address structural issues linked to education, self-esteem, cohesion and isolation by running community-led, community-focused projects that unite communities over a common purpose.
We believe local communities have been excluded from their own heritage and that financial, educational and socioeconomic barriers have been put in place. We are trying to address these issues in a way that means everyone can immerse themselves in heritage.
How do we run it?
We are a community-based organisation that believes all our communities and team members should have a say on how a project is run. We adopt a bottom up approach: our participants agree the focus of the project and outline how will it achieve its objectives from the outset, while also forming a deep understanding of what everyone hopes to get out of their experience.
We want communities and individuals to decide how they want their heritage explored as a team - and what questions they want to ask.
We also embed Archaeological Field Schools within our projects.
Who is it aimed at?
We can answer that with a single word - EVERBODY!!
We welcome people of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, disability and accessibility needs, with a focus on individuals and groups who are not normally afforded the opportunity to engage with their local archaeology and heritage.
We encourage families with children to get hands-on with their local history, which helps establish a sense of place. We also want to see individuals with perceived disabilities and additional needs engage in our projects, so communities can see that they can - and do - make a massive contribution to the local community.
Our Objectives
To tackle social issues in a way that leads to increased wellbeing and positive mental health outcomes
To offer communities access to their local heritage
To target communities, groups and individuals who are not usually involved in heritage activities
To generate community cohesion and a sense of worth and belonging
To create an interest in, and respect for, heritage
To offer our participants a fun and rewarding experience
What you can gain from taking part
New friends that will last a lifetime
Increased physical fitness
New teamwork and social skills
Hard and soft skills that will aid employment, personal development and education
Knowledge of archaeology and your local heritage
A unique form of camaraderie with likeminded individuals
A whole lot of fun!
Military and Veterans focus
We work closely with Services Archaeology and Heritage Association (SAHA), a veterans heritage organisation. This group is a key partner in what we do.
SAHA is made up of both serving and ex-service personnel, along with people of ages, genders and backgrounds who understand the difficulties that arise upon leaving the service.
Our partnership with SAHA helps recreate the camaraderie that personnel experience during their time in the service, and our projects are a great opportunity to connect with people from a similar background.