Co-producing a physical activity intervention with and for people with severe mental ill health – the spaces story

SPACES (Supporting Physical Activity through Co-production in people with Severe Mental Illness) is a study which aims to develop an intervention increase physical activity created and for severe mental ill health (SMI), their carers professionals involved and/or health. People SMI are less physically active than the general population have increased likelihood of experiencing long-term conditions such as cardiovascular respiratory diseases, diabetes obesity. The team employed comprehensive process Patient Public Involvement Engagement (PPIE) work embedded within co-production strategy. Researchers worked together from point inception lived experience, two whom became co-applicants, design carry out development stage study. This included PPIE iterative focus groups interviews various stakeholders consensus group made up multiple lived, caring professional experience. Here, we describe model used, benefits, challenges, achievements areas learning improvement. We offer principles practical strategy, hope will be modified, personalised built on by others. also idea that laying strategy prior commencing then comparing how was or not met could step towards creating more accountability academic rigour co-production.