Health and social care services increasingly value the involvement of individuals with lived experience in service design and delivery. For those facing multiple disadvantages, such as homelessness and mental health issues, participation can be difficult and may lead to re-traumatization. However, gaining confidence through such involvement can lead to personal and professional growth. This study focused on Independent Futures (IF), an organization supporting individuals with multiple disadvantages, to explore how co-production can be effectively implemented in services.

Sixteen IF members and three staff were interviewed, and a staff survey collected responses from 147 employees at Changing Futures partner organizations regarding their ability to integrate co-production. Findings indicated that trauma-informed practices improved confidence and work skills for IF members who engaged in 65 different workstreams. Despite these successes, challenges in embedding co-production in broader services remained, primarily due to resource constraints, time limitations, and hierarchical cultures.

The study concluded that lived experience organizations can demonstrate trauma-informed practices that influence systemic change, but sustainable embedding of these principles requires commitment from all parties involved. Perceptions of tokenism can undermine trust and the overall effectiveness of co-production efforts.