Sarah Barnes

"I happened to discover the Co-Production Collective community bringing together all sorts of people to engage in a permanent dialogue, co-produce and co-deliver tangible action. This decision had a profound impact on me as a person and an advocate for mental health issues. When I was attending the informal Cuppa sessions for the first time, I could not believe that the journey would be so rich in experiences. "

"As a neurodivergent researcher and advocate, I deeply value my involvement with Co-Production Collective. The Collective doesn’t just listen to those with lived experiences; it actively integrates our insights into its core work, embodying true co-production. Learning from/with the Collective has been instrumental in refining my approach to co-production."

"My engagement with the Collective came at a time when I was feeling isolated and at times muted in terms of working with organisations and researchers to enhance service provision. The values and ethics of the Collective meant that I found a space I can meet with others who share the same mindset and where I feel safe to explore without judgement."

"My work with the Collective has given me a new lease of life, from co-producing our payment and our safeguarding policies, to co-designing and co-delivering our training sessions, I have acquired new skills and gained a new confidence that has helped me cope with the mental health issues that have plagued my life. "

"Being given opportunities to co-produce with the Collective increased my understanding and knowledge base, enabling me to co-produce a qualitative research project on people’s experiences of shielding in the COVID 19 pandemic. I have developed transferable, research skills which are being utilised in other research projects I am involved with."

"The expertise of Co-Production Collective allowed the identification of priority research questions that reflect the curiosity and concerns of the general public as much as those of people with learnt/professional expertise in the field. This led to co-produced themes that enable us to apply for major research funding to tackle maternity disparities."

"Co-Production Collective are visionary changemakers. Working with the Collective on their strategy and the Measuring Success project has been a fantastic learning experience and has enabled Grand Challenges to test ways of embedding the principles of co-production throughout our programmes. "

"I love working with the Collective. I was reticent at first, because I never went to university, I have no experience of academics and I was worried I wouldn’t fit in and that I would feel like an outsider. Everyone at the Collective is so friendly, and thoughtful. They live co-production and I have learnt so much. "

"I first got in touch with Co-Production Collective as I was struggling to find organisations that shared similar values and approaches to work that I do. The thing that I value, is the sense of purpose and commitment to putting people front and centre. I’ve already learnt a great deal about how to get co-production ‘right’!"

"I first got involved during lockdown, and since my involvement I have not turned back. Gradually, I built confidence and have been able to connect with some beautiful hearted, selfless people. The greatest aspect that I value is the support and the mutual respect and understanding when making decisions."

"By being involved in the Collective, I’m constantly challenged to do better in my research. I get to work with a diverse range of people to reflect on how to make research more meaningful and impactful to the communities that stand to benefit from it."

"As a representative of one of the organisations funding the Measuring Success project, I have been involved in co-developing the scheme and supporting the assessment of applications. It’s been a fantastic learning experience to understand how funders can help create the best conditions to embed the principles of co-production."

"The idea for the Collective began life as just a few words on paper. Now it is a living, breathing, exciting venture. By challenging assumptions and supporting people to work differently I believe it is playing a vital role in helping us tackle some of society’s biggest health challenges from a fresh perspective."

"As a carer for my son, who has Cystic Fibrosis, I became aware that health and social care provision was system moulded rather than person-centred. I was on the hunt for genuine collaborative working. For the first 3 years I found a few crumbs and the occasional nugget. Then I discovered the Collective – I had arrived!"

"The Co-Production training felt like a safe space among equals and meant we were able to address any pre-conceived worries or barriers to co-production in research as a two-way approach to learning. The future of research is co-produced so without a doubt, all PhD students need this training!"

"I have learnt so much about co-production through being involved in the Collective. I was part of the team who chose the co-produced Pilot projects to fund. Not only did I learn a lot from this involvement but also it has been a great experience to see the projects grow and develop."