What co-production means to us at a mental health support organisation

By Anna Lewis, Senior Consultant on behalf of the team at ImROC

In support of SCIE’s Co-Production Week in July 2016

When I asked my ImROC colleagues to express what co-production means to them, these were some of the words people used – partnership, equality, strength, humanity, humility, discovering, sharing, learning, giving, receiving, growing, collaborating, appreciating, exploring, innovating, fun. And for me, hope.

What is ImROC? The Implementing Recovery through Organisational Change (ImROC) programme is a new approach to helping people with mental health problems.

While each of us has a uniquely personal journey, we share common co-productive experiences with each other and with many more who are embracing new ways of meeting challenges in our ever-changing world. We are part of a global effort to change the nature of conversations, to rebalance power and to mobilise our energy and talents around our shared aspirations.

In our work supporting recovery for all, co-production is something we try to model as well as champion in others. What matters most to us is that we are true to the values and principles of co-production. As a diverse group of people with both professional and lived experience, we thrive on our collective wisdom, talents and skills. Our community of extraordinary individuals is united by our shared belief in the power of recovery. Our culture and identity are built on a belief that we can inspire more, achieve more and falter less when we work together in equal partnership. 

Power is shared, strengths are drawn out and nurtured, and improvement celebrated. Together we see new possibilities, we challenge, we make mistakes, we learn from each other. Through this, we break down barriers, we share responsibility, and we try to contribute to healthy and happy communities.

Co-production is a way of life for us in ImROC. Like life, it can be as difficult as it can be rewarding. This summer ImROC will be publishing a briefing paper about co-production, in which we will share more of our experiences and encourage you to do the same. Keep an eye on our website for more information.

ImROC works in partnership with communities in the UK and abroad to develop systems, services and cultures that support mental health recovery and wellbeing. Our mission is recovery for all.