Since the publication by the Department of Health and Children in 2006 of A Vision for Change, which sets out the direction for mental health services in Ireland, new approaches to interacting with people who have lived experience of mental ill health have emerged. Co-production is one such approach. Co-production is a word used to describe the creation of a dialogical space where the service user, family members, carers and service providers enter a collaborative medical partnership to improve their own care and also service provision. Co-production is a cornerstone in the delivery of a recovery-oriented service and when implemented correctly it has the power to achieve positive change.

The aim of this article is to provide background information and guidance on how to implement co-production in traditional mental health services. It is in line with the publication and implementation of the Irish recovery guidance document, A National Framework for Recovery in Mental Health, by the Health Service Executive in 2017.