ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the experiences of co-production in a practice research project from the perspective of service users and researchers. It provides an example to stimulate conversations about working with service users, in particular, in social work practice research. There is much debate around terminology with “patient and public involvement”, “shared decision-making”, “co-design” and “co-production” occasionally being used interchangeably and uncritically. Co-production has its origins in the design, development and improvement of public services. Social capital has been defined as “the resources that are embedded within social networks”. It is multidimensional, with both depth (the quality of relationships) and breadth (the expanse of relationship networks) impacting on an individual’s well-being. Connecting People is cited in the Department of Health’s strategic statement for mental health social work and the Community Mental Health Framework for Adults and Older Adults as an evidence-informed social intervention that should be implemented.
