Writing for wellbeing: community, heritage and the co-creation of literature

Purpose This paper aims to offer a novel literary approach to mental wellbeing and social inclusion, drawing on the findings of a series of co-created projects with community groups in Lancashire and Greater Manchester. It explores the value of reading together, writing together and researching together to reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing. Design/methodology/approach Researchers from the Centre for Literature and Community at the University of Greater Manchester developed a series of community arts projects (2019–2025) exploring literature as a shared resource. The respective projects used literary heritage and creative writing to co-create new cultural artefacts, transcending the limitations of an individualist, skills-based approach to literary activity. Findings The research found that participants connected with one another through the art of storytelling and that the activities improved social cohesion and perceived wellbeing. Originality/value The research challenges the hegemonic model of English literature, which reflects the cultural authority of the academic mainstream. It proposes that co-created literature offers a powerful antidote to the alienating effects of professional literary culture centred on individual readers, writers and scholars. It also suggests that literary activities have greater creative health benefits than has been previously recognised.