Stronger Together: Stories of Co-Production
From the 30th June - 4th July 2025 we’re celebrating the value and impact of co-production - a collaborative approach where those with lived experience, carers, professionals, and communities work together as equal partners to shape the services that support them.
Why Co-Production Matters
Co-production is about more than just involvement - it’s about partnership, purpose, and people. In adult health, social care, and safeguarding, it helps us deliver support that truly reflects what matters most to individuals.
The Core Values of Co-Production
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Delivering Outcomes That Matter
Co-production ensures services are shaped around real lives—not assumptions—leading to support that is meaningful and effective. -
Empowering People
It gives adults a voice and a choice, recognising their right to influence decisions about their own care and safety. -
Recognising Every Voice
Everyone’s experience and perspective is valuable. Co-production creates space for all voices to be heard and respected. -
Connecting Us
It brings people together—professionals, carers, and those with lived experience—working towards shared goals and stronger communities. -
Equal Partnership
Co-production is built on mutual respect and shared power. It’s not about doing things to or for people, but with them. -
Inclusivity at Its Heart
It actively includes those who are often left out, ensuring services are fair, accessible, and responsive to diverse needs.
Healthwatch Trauma Card: Co-Production in Action
The Healthwatch Trauma Card is a simple, co-produced tool that helps adults discreetly share that they’ve experienced trauma when accessing health or care services. Created with people who have lived experience, the card promotes trauma-informed care, empowers individuals, and supports more compassionate, person-centred interactions.
It’s a powerful example of how co-production can lead to practical, inclusive solutions that improve outcomes and reduce barriers to care. To request a card or find out more visit: Trauma Card
Speak Out Essex: Co-Production that Connects
At the core of Speak Out Essex is co-production - bringing autistic people, family members, carers, service providers, and supporting organisations together as equal partners. Working alongside Essex County Council through the All Age Autism Partnership Board, Speak Out Essex ensures that lived experience drives decision-making and service design.
By championing co-production, Speak Out Essex creates space for real voices to shape real change - identifying what truly matters to autistic people and influencing how services across Essex can better reflect their needs, rights, and aspirations.
To find out more or get involved see: VoiceAbility | Speak Out Essex
What is Co-Production: Video from SCIE
Co-production describes working in partnership with those who use our services. See the video from the Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE).
Hear from Healthwatch Essex
Read the Healthwatch Essex report exploring hospital staffs’ views and experiences of co-production in a Foundation Trust.