Co-production with our service users and families is at the heart of what we do
At the heart of the KMCH project was a commitment to inclusivity and co-production, ensuring that the voices of experts by experience were not just heard but that they actively shaped the outcome. A diverse range of stakeholders came together to form a focus group which included experts by experience, family carers, support workers, and clinicians from various professions such as Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Nursing, and Dental care.
Through this genuine collaboration, the focus group played a central role in shaping every aspect of the project. Their insights and lived experiences ensured that decisions reflected real needs and priorities. The group determined the project’s direction from prioritising website content to selecting design elements like music, avatar characters, and colour schemes, they also starred in all of the videos that were produced for the site.
To mark the project’s success, the team celebrated with an after show party and an Oscars-style awards ceremony — an unforgettable highlight for everyone involved.
Aamer, a support worker supporting an individual with a learning disability and respiratory needs, expressed his gratitude for being part of the initiative:
“I felt truly privileged to be a part of this project. It has been an incredible learning experience, equipping me with valuable knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly help me support those in need. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute and would always welcome the chance to collaborate with BDCT again in the future as part of such a dedicated and inspiring team.”
The celebrations continued when the project won an HSJ Award, a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.
Reflecting on this achievement, a service user, Sajid shared:
“I felt proud and happy to win the award.”
Donna, Tracey and Lucy, who have been instrumental in the engagement with service users and their families said of the awards event:
“We love to see the beneficiaries of the keeping my chest healthy pathway, sharing in the creative process. They are the heart and soul of everything that we are trying to achieve and have succeeded in delivering so far”.
