This project worked with five local primary schools and focused on four properties in London:

• Ham House, Richmond-upon-Thames
• Morden Hall Park, Merton
• Osterley Park and House, Hounslow
• Sutton House, Hackney

The National Trust aimed to make the properties feel more welcoming and engaging for local families who do not tend to visit, especially those from minority ethnic backgrounds or with low incomes.

The first step was researching the backgrounds of the families who visit such attractions, and reaching out to new families through sessions, assemblies and parents’ evenings at local schools.

The project team worked closely with schools and local authority-run family learning provider networks to identify families to participate, including families with English as an additional language. Staff and volunteers at the properties were trained in how to engage with families. New volunteers, from diverse backgrounds, were recruited from local colleges.

Community-led interpretation

Families developed interactive interpretation at the properties, acting as consultants, designers, makers and testers. Research was carried out to uncover how the properties played a part in London’s heritage as a global city, especially in regard to international trade.

Building new audience, staff and volunteer networks

The project engaged new audiences with the heritage of their local area and created a more family-friendly ethos at the properties. It established a new volunteering model and equipped staff, volunteers and families with a range of valuable skills.