Co-production of a research protocol with children and young people with experience of suicidality: The mechanics, results and reflections

A new service model for children and young people (CYP) considering or attempting suicide is needed. This model should be co-designed with CYP ensuring it meets their needs and is acceptable. Best practice suggests co-production should begin at the study development stage. This paper details a co-production approach that brought together CYP with lived experience of suicidality and other stakeholders (practitioners, service providers, academics, policymakers) to develop a study protocol. We outline the specific steps we took, and the mechanics of this process, before reflecting on the results. We share key learning regarding the strengths and limitations of our approach, including insights from one lived experience expert who co-authored this paper.