Lived experienced support

CWVA, working with the University of Chester, has developed a Local Voices Framework (LVF) to support coproduction in west Cheshire.

Many organisations coproduce services and support they provide, but they often take different approaches or use different guides to help them with this work.

The University of Chester carried out research, including a literature review, workshops, one-to-one interviews and surveys, to develop a set of principles and definition for coproduction as part of the LVF.

The aim of the LVF is to guide all people and organisations across west Cheshire so we have a consistent approach to coproduction.

We also don’t want the LVF to be restrictive so we’ll continue developing it over time and encourage people and organisations to adapt it as they need for their individual projects.

The Local Voices Framework’s definition of coproduction

• Coproduction is the building of respectful and empowering relationships alongside the sharing of ideas between those with lived experience and other stakeholders. Both contribute their knowledge, skills and experiences to cocreate actionable change. Coproduction is a challenging process that requires reflection and dedication to ongoing collective learning.

The Local Voices Framework’s principles for coproduction

• Embed coproduction – it should be embedded from the beginning to the end of the project when possible.
• Plan appropriate infrastructure and support – coproduction needs to be rooted in the structure of organisations.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion – coproduction should be an accessible opportunity, where difference between people is valued and respected, and practices are inclusive.
• Build empowering and equal relationships – coproduction should be underpinned by trusting, respectful, and empowering relationships.
• Foster open and transparent communication – coproduction should be based on honesty and transparency.
• Provide ongoing support – support should be made available for those with lived experience and other stakeholders who are involved with coproduction.
• Learn, reflect, adapt with partners – coproduction should be an ongoing and collaborative learning process.
• Share a vision of meaningful change – coproduction should be recognised as a social movement.

Alongside the LVF, we want to create a network of people and organisations so we can continue discussing coproduction, sharing best practice and encouraging people to be part of the coproduction process.

• Download a copy of the Local Voices Framework
• Access the Local Voices Full Research Report 

All people and organisations are welcome to get involved with the LVF and help make sure coproduction is at the heart of services available in west Cheshire.

• Sign up to the Local Voices Framework

The initial work around the Local Voices Framework was funded by Cheshire West Place.

CWVA is offering a wide range of support to community sector organisations, helping them develop their lived experience communities.

Tyra Goodwin, Lived Experience Consultant, is leading this work, supporting community sector organisations in the following areas.

• Bespoke, one-to-one support to embed lived experience
• Training and workshops on the Local Voices Framework and how this can be used to support coproduction
• Distribution of funding, where available, to support organisations exploring coproduction

CWVA is leading a Local Voices Network, bringing together people with lived experience, community organisations and public sector partners.

The aim of this network is for people to share best practice when it comes to coproduction and learn from one another.

It can also help set the future direction for coproduction in Cheshire West and how we can all work together to make sure this is done effectively.

CWVA is coordinating a Lived Experience Leadership programme, supporting people with lived or living experience to develop or gain new personal and professional skills.

The programme has been coproduced with people who have lived or living experience to make sure it achieves the outcomes they need.

The aim is that the personal and professional skills gained through the programme can support people in their lived experience roles, strengthen their ability to influence and shape decisions that affect their communities, and help them gain volunteering or paid roles in the future.