Co-production in Action: Developing Community Solutions for Health Equity

Tackling health inequalities in coastal communities requires research that is responsive to local contexts and inclusive of lived experience. Co-production offers a means of developing such knowledge, particularly when working with communities that have historically been underserved by mainstream services. This study aimed to explore collaborative approaches to co-producing local policy solutions and research agendas related to community health and wellbeing on the Fylde Coast, North West England. Guided by a critical realist epistemology, the study brought together residents, service providers, local authority staff, and academics in three co-production groups. Participants were recruited using purposive, snowball, and convenience sampling. Sessions were held at a community hub and designed using participatory methods, including Photovoice, scenario-based problem solving, and research prioritisation. Session recordings were transcribed and explored through inductive thematic analysis, which identified five overarching themes: inclusive participation and representation; procedural steps in co-production; navigating group dynamics; individual empowerment through co-production; and systemic influence and strategic enablers. This study demonstrates how co-production can generate meaningful, context-specific knowledge and support community engagement in shaping health research and service design. Reflexive attention to power, inclusion, and group dynamics were essential to building trust and maintaining engagement.