A comprehensive rapid review by Population Data Science at Swansea University, Public Health Wales, and Single Parents Wellbeing has published recommendations to guide effective co-production of mental health initiatives with children and young people (CYP).
The review explored existing literature, research, and guidance around co-producing mental health and wellbeing initiatives with CYP. It aimed to inform approaches to co-producing initiatives focused on mental health and wellbeing in CYP aged 10 to 24 from single-parent households.
Co-production, a collaborative process between researchers and participants, fosters joint learning and shared ownership of project outcomes. In mental health initiatives, involving children and young people is essential due to their unique insights and experiences. Engaging CYP ensures initiatives are relevant, reflect needs, and promote a sense of ownership and empowerment – resulting in interventions that are tailored to CYP’s needs.
The research aligns with the goals of the Mental Health Manifesto led by Single Parents Wellbeing, which aims to embed co-production in their work to support positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes for CYP. The manifesto strives to address increasing challenges faced by CYP in single-parent households, contributing to the broader efforts to improve mental health outcomes for this demographic across the UK.
Key themes emerging from the review’s findings include planning, implementation, facilitators and resources, supporting participation, working together, accessible discussions, tokenism, and ongoing evaluation. The review identifies these themes as crucial components to consider when designing and implementing successful co-production projects with CYP.
Recommendations from the review include:
Share power and knowledge
Encourage fair involvement and equal power in collaborative projects by respecting both professional and personal experiences, recognising the knowledge of CYP in choosing effective approaches, and prioritising their rights in decision-making instead of just seeking their opinions.
Working together in safe spaces
Involve everyone early, keep CYP engaged with regular meetings, and set clear project rules. Make safe spaces for CYP, using creative methods like character creation to talk about tough topics and provide support and debriefing after each session.
Supporting and accessible discussions
Make sure co-production projects work well by getting experienced facilitators and, if necessary, external mediators. Put enough resources into facilitation, administration, and evaluation, and be flexible with schedules by offering a mixture of online and in-person sessions and workshops. . Help young people participate meaningfully by considering their abilities and using methods that encourage open conversations, adapting to their diverse needs.
These recommendations guide practitioners in implementing effective co-production processes with CYP, emphasising equality, early engagement, safety, skilled facilitation, and ongoing evaluation.
Review author Dr Michaela James, National Centre for Population Health & Wellbeing Research, said: “The recommendations in our review aim to guide effective co-production with children and young people – promoting equality, early engagement, safety, working together, and ongoing evaluation.
Co-production is not just a buzzword; it is an essential process that ensures equal participation, shared decision-making, and positive outcomes for all.
The evidence compiled in the review can help to shape the design and implementation of community mental health and wellbeing initiatives – helping inform positive, relevant changes to the lives of children and young people.”
Review author Hannah Spacey, Research and Evaluation Division at Public Health Wales, said:
“This review highlighted a number of considerations for those who are planning to use a co-production approach in their work with children and young people.
Successful co-production has many benefits, from informing the design of bespoke, youth-led services to the development of children and young people’s skills through participation in the co-production process. Because of its potential, it’s important to get co-production right.
We hope that this review will provide organisations with key considerations that support and inform the design and implementation of meaningful co-production projects with children and young people”.
For more information, please contact Dr Michaela James at m.l.james@swansea.ac.uk.
This project is funded by the National Lottery’s Mind Our Future Award.