Co-production....an introduction

What is co-production?

Co-production is about recognising the wide range of resources within our communities from those provided by statutory partners to the resources of the citizen. It is about delivering services with rather than for service-users, their families and communities. Co-production regards the consumption and production of services as inseparable. So individuals get involved in the planning, designing, delivery and managing of community services.

It is not about residents doing it for themselves. In fact it is the opposite- it is about the combined contribution of both the individual, public sector and other stakeholders. This requires a different type of involvement from statutory partners not less involvement.

More can be found at http://www.nesta.org.uk/areas_of_work/public_services_lab/past_projects_public_services_lab/coproduction

Why co-production?

When people are involved there are 3 main benefits:

ü  People’s health improves not just from taking part in the activity but from being involved in making it happen. For example, feeling useful and involved improves confidence, reduces social isolation thus reducing mental ill-health.

ü  People become more aware of how they can take responsibility for their own and communities’ health.

ü  More people benefit from more local healthy living provision.

This leads to:

ü  Local activities and services becoming more responsive to local needs and aspirations. People and communities are in the best position to know what they need and how best to meet these.

ü  Improved access, accountability and satisfaction of services.

ü  Health needs are met with fewer visits to healthcare providers, reducing reliance on frontline services.

 

Making it happen…

Healthy Me Healthy Communities has a range of exciting and supportive products to explore co-production and build resident’s involvement in the services and improvements they want to see.

The HMHC products offer a 'skills escalator.' Participants start at a point that they feel comfortable in using their existing skills and experience. The supportive and challenging programmes help people and communities to play a part in co-producing the community services they want.

Start with the ‘Real Life Research’ programme- a great way for exploring co-production.

More information can be found at www.healthymehealthycommunities.co.uk