Co-production: Which way of working works?
This month, the topic at Conversations on Co-production was ‘online, in-person or hybrid, which way of co-producing works?’ Attendees included individuals from mental health and other NHS services, homeless charities and various other third sector organisations.
The group chatted about their experiences of meeting people with lived experience to co-produce online, in-person and hybrid.
Here are some of their top tips:
• Where possible, allow for clients to self select which way of working works for them
• Be aware of accessibility issues for both online and in person meetings (including digital poverty, medical and transport issues)
• Create a space for people who cannot meet in person to maintain relationships and continuity
Tips for online co-production meetings:
- Send out an easy guide sheet on how to use online meetings - the functions, what the screen looks like, where the buttons are and how to use the chat function
- Where possible, meet with people face to face before meeting online
- Allow people to observe an online meeting before joining for the first time. They can come into the room with their camera off, then meet after to have a chat about any anxieties, questions etc
Tips for in-person co-production meetings:
- Make it a warm, safe inclusive with refreshments available
- Allow people the time to feel familiar with their surroundings
- Make sure attendees have a good context of what is being discussed - allow space for people with lived experience to decide what they would like to discuss too
If you are wanting some pointers on getting started with co-production, check out Expert Links videos
To hear about and join in with future conversations, sign up to our network and get your free tickets to join us at Conversations on Co-production here!
