Co-production more than a buzz word!

Here at the college we try to avoid buzzwords, sometimes however the odd one is hard to ignore. Co-Production as a term seems to have gained a lot of popularity in services, with most professionals citing it as there main focus of supporting mental health recovery. But what IS co-production? Why is it important – and, more importantly, what does it look like…?

In all honesty there is no simple answer to any of these questions, much like wellness it is different for everyone. Ask 10 people for a definition and you’ll likely get 12 different explanations, which may be part of the reason that so many support services get it wrong.

For me, co-production is collaborative planning. It is a way for me to influence, contribute or directly decide the path of my recovery journey. I should be writing my own care plan to review with professionals involved in my case, decisions on the type of therapy approaches or medication regimes should be made with me not for me.

My care options should not be a surprise to me.

This is especially important in community settings, services should be doing more than the occasional survey or meeting asking what it’s members would like, in truth they should have a direct relationship with its members past and present to have these conversations regularly.

If you feel the same way and want to help develop the Recovery and Wellbeing College in Co-production – then maybe finding our more about the Steering group would be a good start.

for a pack on how to find out more and join:

email: ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk

or call: 07717 867911