CHEXS Co-Production Workshop – Next Stage Co-Designing the Future
“Local People, Local Solutions”
This October, CHEXS hosted our latest Co-Production Workshop, following on from the successful Co-Design Workshop held earlier this summer. Building on the ideas and energy from that session, this workshop brought together professionals from health, education, housing, business, and the voluntary sector to co-design local support strategies for children, young people, and families across our community.
The focus was clear, to continue turning ideas into action. Everyone came together with a shared commitment to collaboration, recognising that the best solutions are created when local people work together and use the strengths already present in our community.
Six pilot ideas were introduced, with three explored in depth: Intergenerational Projects, Wraparound Early Help, and Get Life Started.
Intergenerational Projects – Strengthening Identity and Relationships
This project looks at how we can connect young and older generations to combat loneliness, boost wellbeing, and build a stronger sense of community identity.
Participants explored activities such as storytelling sessions, gardening, music, and book clubs, all designed to help people share life experiences and skills. There was strong support for collaboration between schools, care homes, churches, and housing associations, using local spaces such as libraries and Tesco community rooms.
Quick wins include trialling the Age UK resource toolkit in a local school and care setting, and launching a small storytelling or pen-pal project. The workshop also identified challenges such as time, resources, and coordinating venues, but the passion to move forward was clear.
Wraparound Early Help, Connecting Services for Families
CHEXS and partners discussed how families often fall between the gaps in existing services, especially those facing financial hardship or isolation. The group highlighted the need for joined-up, accessible support that families can trust.
Ideas included creating community “hubs” in schools, libraries, and other shared spaces where families can access multiple services under one roof, from food support and childcare to wellbeing activities and health advice.
A major quick win will be a January 2026 community event, combining food, fun, and access to local support through a QR-coded digital service directory. Partners such as B3Living, Broxbourne Borough Council, Peabody, and local faith groups will play key roles in shaping this joined-up approach.
Get Life Started, Preparing Young People for Adulthood
This project focuses on helping young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills as they transition into adulthood. Workshops will include CV writing, interview skills, budgeting, and mentoring from local businesses.
CHEXS will work closely with local secondary schools, the Youth Advisory Board, and local employers through networks like BNI to offer hands-on career tasters and mentoring.
Early plans include taster carousel events in schools and new partnerships supporting Women in Trades, neurodiverse young people, and young parents.
Common Themes
Across all groups, one clear message emerged:
“Relationships matter more than services.”
Participants agreed that trust, connection, and listening to young people’s voices must lead future projects. The community already has fantastic spaces, schools, churches, libraries, and with better collaboration, these can become vibrant hubs of support.
What’s Next
CHEXS will now coordinate the next steps for each pilot, finalise partner briefs, and prepare for the January community event. A digital, multilingual service directory is also in development to improve access to local help.
This workshop showed the power of local collaboration and co-production in action. Together, we’re shaping a community where every family feels connected, supported, and valued.
