ORCID

Abstract

AbstractPurposeThe number of Experts by Experience (EbE) working in mental health services has grown in recent years. The National Health Service (NHS) five year plan states EbE should be employed across different levels, including service delivery, design and commissioning. While current research explores the role of EbE in service delivery, little is known about their experiences of co-designing services. This research explored EbE experiences of co-designing NHS mental health services. DesignThis research utilised qualitative semi-structured interviews with 10 participants who had worked on projects focused on co-designing NHS mental health services as an EbE. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. FindingsAnalysis identified four themes and associated subthemes. Themes emphasised the importance of being involved from the start of projects, with late or limited involvement leading to feelings of tokenism. Co-design was described as emotionally demanding but meaningful. Findings suggested that connection both between EbE and with the wider organisation was central to supporting feelings of safety. When organisational support or feedback was lacking, participants questioned if their contributions were listened to. Findings emphasised the need for systemic support to enable meaningful co-design. OriginalityThis research provides new insight into how EbE experience co-designing NHS mental health services. It highlights how EbE find community and value in co-design work, and stresses the need for systemic support to enable EbE to fully participate. Future research should explore how intersecting, marginalised identities shape experiences of co-design. Keywords: Experts by Experience, co-design, co-production, peer support workers, service user involvement

Awarding Institution(s)

University of Plymouth

Supervisor

Pete Keohane, Lealah Hewitt-Johns

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2025

Embargo Period

2026-09-28

Deposit Date

September 2025

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