These top tips were developed by the My Life Choices co‑production group and reflect lived experience of co‑production. They include tips for people with lived experience who are thinking about getting involved, and for staff who support and invite people to take part.
Top tips for people with lived experience
- Know why you want to get involved Think about what matters to you and why you want to take part. Choose a topic you are interested in.
- Think about your time and energy Be realistic about how much time and energy you have. Make sure it fits with your life.
- It’s okay to listen at first You do not have to speak in the first few meeting. It is fine to listen.
- Feeling unsure is normal Many people feel nervous, unsure or like they don’t belong at first. This will improve with time.
- You have something valuable to offer Your experiences and skills matter. Everyone brings something different.
- Prepare, but don’t worry You may want to think about one thing you’d like to say. Sometimes there isn’t time to say everything, and that is ok.
- There are no silly questions Meetings often use acronyms and words you don’t understand. It is ok to ask what things mean.
- Go with someone if you can Having at least two people with lived experience helps. You can support each other, talk things through and learn from each other.
- Share only what you want to You decide how much, if anything to share about your experience. some information discussed in meetings may be confidential.
- Look after yourself Meetings can be tiring and emotional. Only attend and share when you feel able to.
- Change can take time Co-production needs commitment and patience. Things may be slow, but progress does happen.
Top tips for people with lived experience
Know why you want to get involved
Think about what matters to you and why you want to take part. Choose a topic you are interested in.
Think about your time and energy
Be realistic about how much time and energy you have. Make sure it fits with your life.
It’s okay to listen at first
You do not have to speak in the first few meetings. Listening is fine.
Feeling unsure is normal
Many people feel nervous, intimidated, or like they don’t belong at first. This usually improves with time.
You have something valuable to offer
Your experiences and skills matter. Everyone brings something different.
Prepare, but don’t worry
You may want to think about one thing you would like to say. Sometimes there isn’t time to say everything, and that’s okay.
There are no silly questions
Meetings often use acronyms and unfamiliar words. It’s okay to ask what things mean.
Change can take time
Co-production needs commitment and patience. Things may feel slow, but progress does happen.
Go with someone if you can
Having two people involved can help. You can support each other and talk things through afterwards.
Share only what you want to
You decide how much to share about your experience. Some information discussed in meetings may be confidential.
Look after yourself
Meetings can be tiring or emotional. Only attend and share when you feel able to.
Try to enjoy it
Working together is powerful. You are not alone, and your voice can help make a difference.
Top tips for staff working with people with lived experience
Be welcoming and friendly
Help people feel comfortable and valued from the start.
Be patient and kind
People may need time to get used to the group, the work, and how meetings run.
Be clear before people attend
Explain what the meeting is about, what is expected, and what their role will be.
Remember people may be new to the work
Do not assume people understand systems, processes, or language.
Make it easy to take part
Avoid acronyms and jargon. Plan meetings so everyone has time to speak.
Provide the right support
Have support in place and plan for two people to attend together so they can support each other.
Give information in good time
Send papers early and send reminders. This helps people prepare, especially carers.
Be respectful and open
Do not make assumptions about what lived experience “looks like” or why people are involved.
Listen without taking things personally
Feedback is about improving services, not criticising individuals.
Use lived experience appropriately
Only ask people to share their experiences when there is a clear purpose. If it is not co-production, do not call it co-production.
Take people seriously
Capture what people say in meeting notes, check you have understood correctly, and allow space for feelings.
Follow up and build relationships
Tell people what difference their involvement has made. Agree together what good communication looks like and take time to build trust.
