Feature
Putting co-production at the heart of a service
Alice Dowling and Andrew Sims recently developed and delivered a schedule of ward-based courses , as part of an occupational therapy secondment with Cardiff and Vale Recovery and Wellbeing College . We hear about their journey .
C ardiff and Vale Recovery and Wellbeing College ( the College ) is the first Recovery College and peer-led service established in the NHS in Wales . As the first co-produced mental health service in Wales , it grew from a steering group of carers , those using services and staff , and has embedded coproduction through all elements of service design and delivery .
Occupational therapist Alice Dowling explains : ‘ Co-production is at its heart , as this way of working shifts the balance of power , recognising that those who access services have the resources , knowledge and skills to support and inform practice . ‘ When the opportunity arose for an occupational therapy secondment within the College , I was keen to try something new . What I hadn ’ t realised is that my professional practice would be influenced for good .’
She adds : ‘ The College is founded on the principles of hope , control and opportunity . It champions co-production at all levels of service design and delivery and provides individuals with agency and control in their recovery .
‘ It provides free educational courses on topics of physical and mental health and wellbeing , which are facilitated online or in person at venues across Cardiff and Vale . All the courses delivered by the College are co-produced with a healthcare professional and a peer trainer with pertinent lived experience of mental health and / or physical health challenges .’
Following her induction at the College , Alice quickly developed a positive working relationship with Andrew Sims , the ward-based course lead , which supported a refined and efficient coproduction process .
She says : ‘ We worked on a series of courses specific to inpatient settings , using the relationship-centred care model . I was challenged to work in a new way , which utilised principles of reciprocity and mutuality and brought my own life experiences as opportunities to build more fruitful patient / practitioner relationships .
‘ We have different professional backgrounds but share a passion for empowering recovery . Andrew ’ s openness and honesty about his recovery journey focused my occupational therapy skills and practice in a rewarding new light .’
In its Shaping our future wellbeing strategy , published in 2015 , Cardiff and Vale University Health board seeks to improve the provision and delivery of services . Drawing on this , Alice and Andrew co-produced a four-week course for an inpatient rehabilitation ward .
The course centred on a different element of recovery and self-identity each week :
• Being me : reconnecting with values , interests and celebrating unique identity .
• Being me with others : exploring important roles and relationships in our mental health journey .
34 OTnews July 2022