Coaching Through Co-Production
The Coaching Through Co-Production in Blackpool project was designed to inspire, empower, and support young people in enhancing their emotional wellbeing and building valuable social and employability skills. At the heart of the project, participants co-produced an educational booklet based on their personal experiences with mental health.
Targeted at young people aged 16-25 with learning difficulties, disabilities, or autism, each session focused on a specific component of the social and emotional framework, such as self-awareness and self-management. Activities, discussions, and the booklet itself centred on these themes, providing a foundation for young people to explore how their experiences have shaped their self-perception, emotions, and behaviours.
As the weeks progressed, participants grew in confidence and collaboratively developed an ‘Our Rules to Life’ booklet, a resource created by young people for young people. Using their unique insights from living with learning disabilities, the participants aimed to help other young people navigate life’s challenges. They reflected on how, with experience and perspective, many of their past difficulties stemmed from negative self-talk and self-doubt.
Key Learnings
Engaging young people in co-production can significantly improve the relevance and effectiveness of mental health resources. Providing youth with ownership and a platform to voice their needs has a lasting impact on both individual development and community well-being.
This project highlights the potential for co-produced models to shape mental health initiatives in ways that are inclusive and impactful. It offers a replicable approach to youth engagement, showing that when young people are part of the solution, they become powerful advocates for positive change.
The ‘Our Rules to Life’ booklet as seen above, was designed by a local illustrator, Josh Ford.