Facilitated by Nick Hunter, Co-production Lead, members of the new network will represent the three NHS trusts and four independent sector providers that make up the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Adult Secure Services Provider Collaborative. There are currently 12 'founding' members.
Members of the co-production network, which will initially meet monthly, will work together to share good practice and embed co-production within secure services, including in care planning, patient care and treatment, contributing to service development and providing peer support.
They will also provide support to each other to work through challenges and work together on specific project where co-produced has been identified as a core component. Current projects include the transformation of the Women's Secure Pathway and developing a process for managing restrictive practices.
Members will also work together to co-produce shared principles that will define co-production for the Provider Collaborative.
As Nick Hunter explains, there are strengths and challenges to co-production in secure services:
"Most people in secure care have been to prison where the expectation is to conform, which makes it hard for patients to build trust and not feel judged by professionals, which in turn can be a barrier to engagement.
"However, the opportunities are huge. There's good evidence that activities that enable people to do good can reduce recidivism, it can also help to boost confidence and self-esteem and build relationships between people with lived experience and professionals."
If you would like to find out more about the co-production network, please email nick.