Co-production in Action: How Lived Experience is Shaping Mental Health Services in West Sussex

The West Sussex Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) is a clear example of what meaningful co-production can look like across a complex mental health system. This past year, LEAG members have helped shape policy, challenge decision-making, and contribute to real change – not just through their insights, but by being active and respected partners in transformation.

This isn’t consultation. It’s co-production – and the difference matters.

800+ hours of lived experience at the table

In 2024–25, LEAG members gave over 800 hours to support mental health improvement work across West Sussex. They contributed to 169 meetings, helped shape commissioning priorities, and played active roles in strategic forums, transformation groups, and public-facing campaigns.

Their influence has been felt across the system — from co-producing a Mental Health Language Guide used by professionals county-wide, to helping steer the retendering of support services. The LEAG’s presence has made space for honest conversations about what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change.

Tangible impacts, at local and system level

Some highlights from this year include:

· Co-designing and running a peer-led trauma group

· Supporting the creation of the West Sussex Mental Health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

· Influencing the Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams (NMHTs) through feedback on communications, diagrams, and service design

· Challenging organisations like Pathfinder and SPFT to strengthen their co-production approach

· Delivering LEAG training and guidance to improve confidence, engagement and presentation skills

At a Sussex-wide level, the LEAG has worked alongside the SCALE network to shape events like the Co-production Conference and monthly forums, and to launch shared resources including a Co-production Trello board.

The difference lived experience makes

LEAG members have brought critical insight to conversations that affect real people. Whether reviewing language used in service letters, contributing to signposting materials, or sitting on commissioning panels, their involvement continues to highlight the value of embedding lived experience early — not after the fact.

This work also helps to challenge stigma and assumptions around people who access services or care for others. The ripple effect can be seen in how professionals now talk about co-production — not as a tokenistic gesture, but as something necessary and expected.

Reflections and next steps

While there has been real progress, challenges remain. LEAG members have highlighted concerns around decisions being made without their input or being invited in too late in the process. For co-production to be effective, lived experience needs to be part of the decision-making, not just the feedback stage.

Looking ahead, the future of LEAG is uncertain. Funding arrangements are changing, and the structure of support going forward is still unclear. But what’s clear is that the role of lived experience in shaping services must continue — with the right backing, representation, and respect.

Priorities for the year ahead include:

· Reaching new members, especially from underrepresented communities

· Strengthening training for both LEAG members and professionals

· Building stronger links with commissioning teams and national networks

· Embedding co-production in the evolving NMHT model and beyond

Conclusion

The West Sussex LEAG shows that lived experience isn’t just valuable — it’s essential. When people with real experience are involved meaningfully, services become more humane, more effective, and more accountable.

The challenge now is to make sure this work is protected, strengthened, and taken seriously at every level of the system.

Co-production isn’t a side project. It’s the foundation of better mental health care.

To get involved or to find out more, contact Lydia Taylor, CAPITAL’s Co-production Lead.