Co-production Week is a national celebration of people working together as equals to design better, fairer, more inclusive support. This year’s theme – Care Equity – asks us to explore what it truly means to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances, has equal access to high quality social care.
At Brandon Trust, co-production isn’t an add on. It’s how we work. And no one embodies this more powerfully than the Brandon Adventurers – a group of experts by experience who represent the voices, rights, and priorities of the people we support.
In a special episode of In Conversation With…, Chief Executive, Helen England, sat down with members of the Adventurers to talk about language, decision making, advocacy, and what real care equity looks like in practice.
Using the right language – and why it matters
The Adventurers spoke passionately about the importance of using the right language when talking about people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Language shapes attitudes, and attitudes shape opportunities.
They explained how respectful, person-first language helps challenge assumptions, reduce stigma, and ensure people feel seen for who they are – not defined by labels.
This is a core part of care equity: making sure communication is accessible, dignified, and rooted in respect.
Quality checks led by people with lived experience
Quality isn’t something done to people – it’s something done with them.
The Adventurers carry out quality checks across Brandon services, ensuring that people’s real experiences shape how support is delivered. They look at what’s working, what needs to change, and how services can be more equitable and inclusive.
Co-production and consultation with UWE
The Adventurers also shared their work with the University of the West of England (UWE), where they co-produce research, training, and teaching sessions with students.
By shaping how future social workers, nurses, and health professionals learn, the Adventurers are helping build a more equitable system from the ground up – one where lived experience is valued as expertise.
Advocating for others and making a difference
Advocacy is at the heart of care equity. The Adventurers described how they speak up for others, especially people who may not feel confident or able to speak up for themselves.
Whether it’s challenging unfair treatment, improving accessibility, or ensuring people’s rights are upheld, their advocacy ensures that no one is left behind.
The Listening Lounge – creating space for real conversations
One of the Adventurers’ most meaningful pieces of work is the Listening Lounge – a safe, welcoming space where people can talk openly about their experiences, worries, and ideas.
Nathan spoke about how important the Listening Lounge is for people who need somewhere calm and respectful to share what’s on their mind. He described how having a space where people feel comfortable to talk – without judgement, pressure, or rush – helps them feel heard, supported, and more confident.
It’s a clear example of care equity in action: creating environments where everyone has the chance to speak, be listened to, and influence change.
Making decisions with people, not for them
The Adventurers were clear: good support means making decisions with people, not for them.
They described how they work alongside staff to ensure people have real choice and control – from everyday decisions to bigger life changes. This is central to equitable care: recognising that everyone has the right to shape their own life.
Improving health equity
Riley shared his experience of being consulted by a hospital team about how to make healthcare more accessible for people with learning disabilities.
His insights helped shape better communication, clearer processes, and more inclusive environments – a powerful example of how co production can reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes.
Celebrating leadership
Tom reflected on his proudest achievements as an Adventurer, from leading training sessions to influencing organisational decisions.
His leadership shows what’s possible when people with lived experience are given the platform, respect, and authority they deserve.
Recognition for lived experience expertise
Janis recently won an award for her outstanding contribution to social care. Her work – from speaking at national events to shaping Brandon’s strategy – demonstrates the impact that lived experience brings to social care. Her award is a celebration of care equity in action.
The importance of the Mental Capacity Act
The Adventurers also highlighted the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) as a vital safeguard for people’s rights.
They spoke about how the MCA protects autonomy, ensures decisions are made in people’s best interests, and prevents assumptions about what people can or cannot do. Understanding and applying the MCA properly is essential for delivering equitable, rights-based care.
Care equity at Brandon Trust
The Adventurers’ insights show that care equity isn’t an abstract idea – it’s something built through everyday actions:
- listening properly
- using respectful language
- sharing power
- valuing lived experience
- challenging inequality
- making decisions together
Their leadership continues to shape our work, ensuring that the people we support are not just included, but central to everything we do.
Co-production Week is a moment to celebrate this work – but for the Adventurers, it’s how they lead all year round.
