Co-Producing Change: Improving Mental Health Support for Young People with Learning Disabilities and Autism
What started as an idea in a co-production workshop quickly became one of the most rewarding projects we’ve been part of.
In 2022, we joined community organisations from across Lancashire through an NHS co-production programme led by Personalised Care and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB. The challenge was simple but significant: work together to develop projects that could help reduce health inequalities through the NHS Core20PLUS5 approach.
Our group chose to focus on an area we were all passionate about – improving access to mental health support for young people with learning disabilities and autism.
Over a series of workshops, we shared experiences, challenged ideas, and combined our different areas of expertise. Alongside partners from Blackburn with Darwen Care Network, Healthwatch, and the Carers Service, we explored the barriers that many young people and families face and asked ourselves how support could be made more accessible, relevant, and engaging.
One thing became clear: the answers already existed within our communities.
Inspired by the success of Care Network’s Community Champions, we developed a peer-led approach that placed local people at the heart of the solution. The idea was to equip Community Champions with the knowledge, confidence, and creative resources to start meaningful conversations about mental health with young people.
Of course, first we had to pitch our idea.
Standing alongside a number of inspiring community projects, we presented our vision to a Dragons’ Den-style panel in the hope of securing funding to bring it to life.
And it worked.
Not only did the project receive investment, but the judges described it as “the easiest decision I’ve made in a long time” and “hands down, clear winners.”
Winning the funding was a proud moment, but it was only the beginning.
Together, we co-produced a series of creative, discussion-based sessions exploring:
- Emotions, thoughts and feelings
- Independence and resilience
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Healthy relationships
The programme extended beyond the classroom. Families were connected with local services and support, school staff received resources to continue conversations long after the sessions ended, and health professionals were able to identify where additional help might be needed.
For us, this project reinforced something we’ve always believed: people aren’t problems to be fixed – they’re partners in creating solutions.
The real success wasn’t winning the pitch. It was seeing organisations work differently, valuing lived experience alongside professional expertise, and creating opportunities for young people and families to shape the support they receive.
It reminded us that when communities are trusted, listened to, and empowered, incredible things can happen.
This project wasn’t just about improving access to mental health support. It was about building connections, creating understanding, and proving that lasting change happens when we work together.