Meaningful involvement of people with lived experience is increasingly recognised as essential in ageing and dementia research. This short film (~7-minutes) introduces you to members of the Venture Out Advisory Group. Established in 2024, the Venture Out Advisory Group brings together people living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, alongside care-partners, who share a passion for nature and the outdoors. The group plays a central role in shaping the Venture Out Nature Hubs Project, which creates inclusive outdoor spaces and nature-based experiences to support the wellbeing of older adults, including those living with dementia and their care-partners.
In this film, each member reflects on their involvement, and shares what they gain from being in the group. This includes connection, learning, a sense of dignity, and the opportunity to contribute their lived experience to research that reflects their values and interests. The advisory group acts as a living example of the project’s values, modelling inclusion, enablement, and connection to nature. This showcase film demonstrates how research can be strengthened by lived experience, and how research design can contribute positively to life with cognitive change.