York CVS proudly supports the co-production project, an innovative approach that brings together service users and professionals to design and deliver community-focused mental health services.
Recently, at an event hosted by the University of York’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Research Centre, the power and impact of co-production was communicated. The event highlighted the importance of inclusive research and community engagement, with a special focus on under-represented groups, including Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, and neurodiverse communities.
The University of York’s EDI Research Centre brought together academics, researchers, and community leaders to explore how to effectively engage with groups often overlooked in traditional research. The event was a platform for sharing valuable insights on building trust and creating genuinely inclusive mental health services.
During the event, Ben Hutchinson, Co-production Champion explained co-production as a collaborative method where service users actively participate alongside professionals in designing and delivering services. This approach ensures inclusivity and genuine representation, moving beyond tokenism to truly value the lived experiences of community members.
Co-production Champion, Ben Hutchinson
Traditional mental health services often fall short of meeting the needs of all users, particularly those from marginalised communities. Co-production bridges this gap by involving people with lived experience in every step of the design process. This leads to more effective, accessible, and person-centred services, ultimately building trust, reducing barriers to care, and creating sustainable solutions that truly work for the community.
Engaging diverse groups requires authenticity and a commitment to building trusting relationships. Ben emphasised the importance of:
- Avoiding Tokenism: Being transparent about what can and cannot be achieved and clearly communicating the value of participants’ involvement.
- Building Trust: Developing honest, long-term relationships with community members, including neurodiverse individuals and the Traveller community.
Neurodiversity and Mental Health Working Group
Created out of a research feedback forum, this group has evolved into a community-led support network. It plays a key role in shaping inclusive mental health services by ensuring neurodiverse voices are heard and valued.
24/7 Mental Health Hub Co-Design
York is one of six locations piloting a 24/7 open-access mental health hub. This initiative was co-designed with community input, reflecting the real needs of service users. Ben shared insights on the challenges of co-production and offered practical tips for facilitating productive sessions.
Conversation Cafés
Held at The Hub at Clarence Street, these informal, open discussions encourage ongoing engagement and build trust within the community. This approach allows services to evolve organically, responding directly to users’ needs.
The impact of co-production
The event highlighted how community-driven design leads to stronger, more inclusive and sustainable mental health services. By involving those with lived experiences, services become more relevant and accessible, restoring trust between communities and local services.
Find out more about the co-production project by clicking below.