Our co-production

At the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG), co-production is at the heart of how we work.

A group of people from the MUARG Older People's Forum.

We are committed to embedding co-productive principles across all our research activities, ensuring that older people and communities are not only participants, but equal partners in the research process. We collaborate closely with older people, community organisations, policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders to shape the direction, design and outcomes of our research. 

Co-production is vital to our approach because it promotes inclusivity, builds trust, empowers communities, and leads to more relevant and impactful research outcomes. By working together, we can better understand and respond to the diverse challenges of ageing in urban environments and support the development of more equitable age-friendly communities. 

Our co-production process includes: 

  • Engaging older people and community members as co-researchers and co-investigators.
  • Facilitating participatory and knowledge exchange workshops and focus groups to gather generate shared insights and co-create solutions.
  • Building interdisciplinary research teams that integrate lived experience with diverse perspectives and expertise. academic, policy and practice-based expertise. 

The MUARG Older People's Forum is a vital component of our commitment to co-production. This forum brings together a diverse group of older people from across Greater Manchester, representing a range of ethnic and social backgrounds. By engaging with people who have lived experiences of urban ageing, the forum provides a platform for sharing views and increasing mutual understanding of the evolving needs and challenges faced by older communities.

Members of the forum work collaboratively with MUARG researchers to critically reflect on our activities, ensuring that our research remains relevant and impactful. The insights gained from these discussions help shape the direction of our projects and contribute to the development of new knowledge in the field of urban ageing. We are grateful to the members of our forum for their invaluable contributions and look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership.