Co-production in action at Collaborate Surrey’s Co-production conference

A wide range of topics were covered during the day, including the importance of clarity in decision-making, inclusivity for ethnic minority communities, breaking through the glass ceiling of co-production, and much more.

The event was run by the Surrey Co-production Network, made up of more than 15 member organisations, including mental health charities, statutory and NHS providers, and other health and disability organisations. The network hosts monthly peer support drop-in sessions and supports professionals working in co-production to learn, grow and develop together.

Co-production Manager Elmi Terjavjainen and Co-production and Employment Partner Stephen Brown attended the conference alongside Unity and Campaign 4 Change members Simon and Crystal. Together, Elmi, Simon and Crystal delivered a presentation, ‘Alternative Ways to Co-production’, exploring the principles, relationships and approaches that help make meaningful co-production possible.

Their presentation highlighted creative, fun and inclusive approaches to co-production using a pizza, inspired by the ‘Co-production Sandwich’ model. The base provides support, the sauce brings everything together, the cheese covers every part, and the toppings add flavour. Finally, there’s the dip. While not essential, it can make the pizza even better. This represents the creative and engaging elements of co-production, including activities, songs, celebrations, humour and workshops.

Later, attendees took part in ‘Art Matters: Collaborative Printmaking’, a hands-on session that invited people to contribute to a collaborative artwork centred around a co-production tree. Participants added leaves to the tree, each sharing what co-production means to them.

Stephen, who recently trained in graphic recording, captured the day through a combination of illustrations and written reflections, creating a visual record of the event and its key discussions, titled ‘The Spectrum of Participation’.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The conference was a fantastic celebration of co-production in action and provided valuable insights and inspiration for attendees to take back into their roles and everyday experiences.