How to get involved – co-production
We work closely with people who use our services, carers and families to improve quality, shape services, and make sure we meet the needs of the people we support.
We’re proud of our commitment to co-production. There are many ways you can get involved, whether that’s at a local service level or by helping shape our Trust-wide plans.
What do we mean by co-production?
Co-production means working in equal partnership with people who use health and care services, their carers and communities. It involves engaging people from the very beginning of any project, whether that’s designing, developing, or evaluating a service.
We recognise that people with lived experience of using our services are often best placed to tell us what works, what doesn’t, and what would make a positive difference.
By working together, we’re creating services that are more responsive, inclusive, and fit for purpose. It’s part of our commitment to support everyone’s mental health and wellbeing so they can live the best life possible.
Understanding the language we use
Here are some of the terms we use when we talk about co-production, and what they mean.
Someone of any age providing support which can be physical, emotional or mental, for a relative or friend, who could not cope without that support. The care that they provide is unpaid and we need to work in partnership with them when caring for their loved one. We need their input to help shape our services.
We provide services to people across different geographies across Surrey and North East Hampshire, who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds and cultures. We want to ensure that all are given the opportunity to take part in co-production work and help shape our services.
A group of people agreeing on goals together and working as a team to achieve these goals.
Creating and launching a new or improved service. Identifying and making recommendations for improvements in the patient pathway and administrative processes to enhance the patient experience.
Measuring how successful the service is at achieving the goals.
Experience that people have had firsthand, that gives them knowledge and understanding that others don’t have.
Opportunities to get involved
Help develop Trauma-Informed e-Learning
We are creating an e-learning course about trauma-informed approaches for staff at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP) and partner organisations.
The training will explain: what trauma is; how trauma can affect people; what trauma-informed practice means; and how trauma-informed practice can support people who have experienced trauma.
E-learning is online training that can be completed on a computer, tablet, or phone. Staff can access it at any time and learn at their own pace.
SABP staff work with adults, young people, and children in a range of services, including community mental health, crisis, and inpatient settings.
Who can take part?
To make sure the training includes different perspectives, we are looking for:
- People who have used SABP services in the last 5 years
- Family members or carers of someone who has used an SABP service in the last 5 years
- Staff who have worked for SABP in the last 5 years
People should also:
- Hvae personal experience of trauma. You do not need a diagnosis, and you will not be asked to share details about your trauma.
- Feel comfortable reading and hearing about trauma
- Feel comfortable sharing what was helpful or unhelpful when accessing mental health services or support
Knowing about trauma-informed approaches is helpful, but not necessary to take part.
What will it involve?
People will review the e-learning and suggest where their lived-experience could be included to improve the content and make it more meaningful and relevant.
We expect this involvement to take around 2 hours per week for 12 weeks.
Reimbursement is available for your contribution.
How to get involved?
To register your interest fill out our form. Places are limited and this opportunity closes at midnight 23 August 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Nicola Rushent (Lived Experience Trauma-Informed Lead) : nicola.rushent@sabp.nhs.uk
What you can expect
We offer a range of ways to get involved—some are one-off workshops or discussion groups, others are longer-term projects.
We want our co-production activities to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. To help achieve this, we’ll promote opportunities through a range of channels and ask some standard questions to make sure we’re reaching underrepresented groups.
We’ll also ask about any support or adjustments you need, such as:
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Easy-read versions of documents
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Interpreters
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1:1 preparation sessions
We’ll always explain clearly what each opportunity involves and how you can contribute.
If an activity takes place in person, we can reimburse your travel expenses in cash on the day.
Some activities may be paid roles. Where this applies, we’ll let you know in advance and offer payment either by voucher or bank transfer. Payments are processed on the last Friday of each month.
If you find that sharing your lived experience brings up difficult emotions, we will offer support.
We’ll also ask for feedback about your experience of taking part, so we can keep improving how we work together.
IMPORTANT: If your co-production role offers payment
Receiving payment may affect your:
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Benefit entitlements
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Income tax and National Insurance
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Pension, tax credits, or pension credit
Before accepting payment, we strongly recommend seeking advice from a benefits advisor or Jobcentre Plus. You can also find guidance on the Surrey Welfare Rights Unit website
FoCUS (Forum of Carers and people who Use Services) is our main service user and carer involvement group.
If you use our services or care for someone who does, we’d love for you to join. Members hear about new opportunities first and can take part in shaping how we deliver care.
Staff regularly present upcoming involvement projects at FoCUS Committee meetings.
If you have any questions regarding involvement activities please email the team at: yourviewsmatter@sabp.nhs.uk