Civic leaders champion inclusive practice during National Co-production Week in Portsmouth

Portsmouth’s civic leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to inclusion and co-production by joining professionals and community groups at a special event to celebrate National Co-production Week.

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, and Lady Mayoress Leila Ferguson were among the guests at Portsmouth: Our Inclusive City, a training and engagement event held at Central Library on Thursday 3 July. Their presence underscored the city’s leadership in promoting inclusive services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The event brought together local organisations and national charity Kids to explore how co-production can be used to work in equal partnership with young people and families to create accessible services.

Attendees heard practical advice and inspiring stories from Portsmouth Parent Voice, Dynamite, and Enable Ability, who shared how co-production is already making a difference in the city.

A highlight of the morning was the interactive “Wall of Co-production,” created by Seekers Create.

Participants added their own experiences to the growing display, which will be transformed into banners for future events to celebrate Portsmouth’s collective journey towards a more inclusive city.

Earlier in the week, Portsmouth SEND Local Offer hosted a Lunch and Learn session for internal teams, giving staff the opportunity to reflect on how co-production principles can be embedded into everyday practice.

The session sparked valuable conversations about listening to lived experience and designing services that meet the needs of families.

If you were unable to attend the event, visit the co-production and participation section of the Portsmouth SEND Local Offer website.

For more information, visit portsmouthlocaloffer.org/CCW.