ABSTRACT
Co-production is currently used as a principle that supports the implementation of personal recovery into mental health service provision. However, it is a multi-faceted concept with a variety of different definitions available for a multitude of different sectors including public management and healthcare. To address this, this chapter examines how co-production differs from different participatory mechanisms already available and used within these service contexts. A critical examination will then occurs examining (1) the array of different definitions of the term and (2) the different characteristics that are used to make up these co-production definitions. These characteristics include mutuality, reciprocity, equality as well as working relationships, the environment, the skills and assets of individuals involved and the phases of service provision where co-production can occur. From this a new definition will be created which will support mental health services in (1) clearly understanding the term and (2) continuing to utilise the concept to embrace recovery in service provision.
