Features

The co-producers: Making users part of the solution

Involvement of children and families in shaping services can sometimes be tokenistic. Many organisations now use "co-production" to ensure genuine participation. Eileen Fursland investigates.

The term co-production could be mistaken for management-speak. Yet advocates believe this way of working has the potential to transform public services, including those for children and families.

Put simply, co-production means professionals and service users working together, as equal partners, to design and deliver services.

Making a contribution makes those involved feel more valued. Co-production enthusiasts believe it builds social networks and mutual support, helping reduce isolation and creating healthier and more connected communities.

It is easy to dismiss the idea as impossibly idealistic, yet it is being turned into practical action in many different settings with all kinds of services now delivered by the community or service users, supported by professionals.

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