Framing It Differently
ENLIVEN was a three-year research collaboration led by the University of Exeter and partner universities, alongside dementia organisations and accessibility specialists. The programme worked with visitor attractions and outdoor sites to develop more inclusive, dementia-friendly ways for people to enjoy nature and heritage environments. Find out more here.
Framing It Differently was part of the national ENLIVEN research programme, which explored how outdoor environments and nature-based experiences can support the wellbeing, independence and social connection of older people living with dementia or cognitive impairment.
Mindful Dementia-Friendly Photography Walks
At Beamish, Framing It Differently took the form of Mindful Dementia-Friendly Photography Walks, supported by documentary photographer Ian Beesley. Participants living with dementia took part in a 12-week programme combining photography workshops with outdoor heritage and nature exploration across the museum site.
Participants met weekly to:
- Spend time outdoors in quieter areas of the museum
- Explore natural, rural and industrial heritage landscapes
- Learn photography skills
- Reflect on what they noticed, felt and experienced
The project focused on slowing down, noticing details and experiencing the environment in new ways.
How this linked to ENLIVEN research aims
The wider ENLIVEN programme aimed to help people with dementia:
- Stay active and independent
- Maintain social connections
- Continue accessing places that are meaningful to them
- Overcome barriers that stop people enjoying outdoor spaces
Research identified common barriers such as lack of seating, confusing signage or environments that feel unwelcoming. ENLIVEN worked with organisations to redesign experiences to remove these barriers.
The programme was part of the UK Research and Innovation Healthy Ageing Challenge, focused on helping people stay active, independent and socially connected for longer.
Outcomes and Impact
Strengthen social bonds between participants
Improve confidence accessing outdoor heritage environments
Increase awareness of Beamish as a dementia-inclusive organisation
Demonstrate the value of meaningful outdoor activity for wellbeing
Additional resources
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Folk Art Pilot
The Folk Art Pilot explored less widely practised heritage skills and creative techniques, including glass art, silk painting, body ware and other traditional craft forms that are not always widely available or easily accessible in community settings.
Dementia Action Week: Memory Walk
As part of Dementia Action Week, Beamish Museum hosted a programme of inclusive activities designed to raise awareness of dementia, support people living with dementia and celebrate dementia-friendly communities.
Pottery Group
This is a weekly creative group for people living with dementia or brain changes. Sessions focus on pottery and working with clay, to build confidence and learn new skills.
