At Response, we empower people to build new skills, grow in confidence, and have a real say in shaping the services that support them. Through various opportunities, individuals can become Experts by Experience (EbEs), using their lived experience to influence decisions and drive meaningful change within Response.
EbEs can be involved in interview panels, the Advisory Board and focus groups, based on their interests. Families, Friends & Carers are also encouraged to participate in the Carers Group, providing an opportunity to share their views and experiences and help shape the support we provide.
What is co-production?
Co-production is an approach where service providers and people supported by the organisation work together as equal partners to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate services. It emphasizes valuing the lived experience, knowledge, and insights of those directly affected by the services, ensuring their active participation rather than merely consulting them as passive recipients.
Co-production is important because it leads to services that better meet the actual needs, preferences, and priorities of users, ultimately resulting in greater effectiveness, satisfaction, and empowerment for individuals. It also fosters mutual respect, trust, and inclusivity, promoting equitable relationships between organisations and communities.
Experts by Experience
At Response, we empower people to build new skills, grow in confidence, and have a real say in shaping the services that support them. Through various opportunities, individuals can become Experts by Experience (EbEs), using their lived experience to influence decisions and drive meaningful change within Response.
EbEs can be involved in interview panels, the Advisory Board and focus groups, based on their interests. Families, Friends & Carers are also encouraged to participate in the Carers Group, providing an opportunity to share their views and experiences and help shape the support we provide.
Involvement opportunities at Response
EbEs play a key role in interview panels, influencing the recruitment process from start to finish.
They contribute to shaping interview questions, bring their own perspectives when exploring candidates’ responses, ask follow-up questions where appropriate, and have a voice in the final decision-making process.
This ensures that lived experience is meaningfully represented in recruitment and helps identify candidates with the right qualities to support the people who use our services.
The Response Advisory Board is a space, where meaningful changes are co-produced with people with lived experience in mental health services, ensuring that trauma-informed and person-centred practice is embedded in the future of Response.”
The Board supports our Executive team by sharing lived experience insights and strengthening understanding of mental health challenges.
It also strengthens members’ confidence and supports the development of practical skills, such as effective communication, contributing to meetings and reviewing organisational policies, that are applicable in future employment and other professional settings.’
Membership is open to anyone who is currently using, or has previously used, Response’s services or other mental health services.
Focus groups, both within Response and externally with the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership, offer a platform for people to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas.
These groups help us shape services that truly meet the needs of those who use them, making sure every voice is valued and heard.
Carers’ insights play a vital role in shaping responsive, person-centred care that reflects the needs and experiences of the people we support.
The Carers Support Group offers a safe, welcoming, and inclusive forum for the Families, Friends and Carers of the people we support to connect, share experiences, and contribute valuable perspectives. The group also provides opportunities to learn about local services, resources, and support networks, enabling participants to make informed decisions and navigate available services more effectively.
The group meets monthly (every second Friday of each month at Grove House), providing a regular opportunity for engagement, information sharing, and mutual support.
If you woud like to get involved with the Carers Support Group, please use this link and we will contact you.
Every engagement and co-production opportunity at Response is designed to give people the chance to engage at a level that is aligned with their interests.
Involvement is entirely optional, but for those who choose to take part, their contributions help shape a more inclusive, responsive and supportive organisation.
Opportunities directory
Want to find activities, volunteering and opportunities around Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire?
Below you will find a comprehensive list with all the information you need.
Oxfordshire
– ACCord: Abingdon Community Choir
Where to find it: Thomas Reade School, Radley Road, Abingdon
– Cornerstone Arts, Entertainment and Culture
Where to find it: Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NE
– Oxford Community Choir
Where to find it: St Columba’s Church Hall, Alfred Street, Oxford, OX1 4EH
– Oxford Poetry Library – Getting Started with Poetry
Where to find it: Oxford Poetry Library, 21 Park End St, Oxford OX1 1HH
– Oxford Poetry Lovers (online course)
– Oxford Writing Circle
Where to find it: Oxford
– Tuneless Choir
Where to find it: Christchurch Hall, Northcourt Road, Abingdon OX14 1PL
Berkshire
– Newbury Art Group
Where to find it: Newbury
– City Arts Newbury
Where to find it: City Arts Newbury, 10 Hampton Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6DB
Buckinghamshire
– Queen Park Arts
Where to find it: Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7RT
Oxfordshire
– Carers Oxfordshire
Where to find it: Online or in person across Oxfordshire
Website: Carers Oxfordshire
– Rethink Mental Illness
Where to find it: Online or in person across Oxfordshire
Website: Rethink Mental Illness
– The Oxfordshire Family & Friends Empowerment service
Where to find it:Online (or Complex Needs Service, Manzil Way, Cowley)
PDF Leaflet: Family & Friends Empowerment Service leaflet
Berkshire
– Crossroads Care
Where to find it: Broadway House 4-8, The Broadway, Newbury, RG14 1BA
Website: Crossroads Care
Buckinghamshire
– Care & Carers
Where to find it: Broadway House 4-8, The Broadway, Newbury, RG14 1BA
Website: Care & Carers
Oxfordshire
– Asylum Welcome
Where to find it: Asylum Welcome, Newtec Place, Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RE
Website: Asylum Welcome
– Headington Action
Where to find it: Headington
Website: Headington Action
– Icolyn Smith Foundation
Where to find it: Oxford
Website: Icolyn Smith Foundation
– Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action
Where to find it: Based in Oxfordshire with an office in Oxford City.
Website: Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action
Berkshire
– Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action
Where to find it: 1 Highfield Avenue, Newbury, RG14 5DS.
Website: Eight Bells Newbury
Buckinghamshire
– Space (Aylesbury)
Where to find it: Aylesbury and online
Website: Space Aylesbury
Oxfordshire
– Ark-T Crafts
Where to find it: Ark-T Centre @ Templars Square, Shop 101, Templars Square Shopping Centre, 129 Pound Way, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 3XH.
Website: Ark-T Crafts
– Creative Wellbeing Workshops
Where to find it: Online, based in Abingdon and for Oxfordshire residents
Website: Creative Wellbeing Workshops
– Fusion Arts
Where to find it:Several locations although based at: Fusion Arts Centre 95 Gloucester Green Oxford, OX1 2BU
Website: Fusion Arts
– CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Life Skills
Where to find it: Oxford (St Ebbes and Cowley) and Witney.
Website: CAP Life Skills
Oxfordshire
– Oxford Pride
Where to find it: Based in Oxford, with events held at various venues around the city (often central Oxford).
Website: Oxford Pride
– Museum of Oxford Walks: Oxford’s Queer History
Where to find it: Tour begins at the Museum of Oxford, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX.Website: Museum of Oxford Walks
– Trans Oxford Support Group
Where to find it: Oxford City Centre.
Website: Trans Oxford Support Group
Berkshire
– Newbury Pride
Where to find it: Throughout Newbury.
Website: Newbury Pride
Oxfordshire
– Abingdon Abbey Gardens Community Walks
Where to find it: Abingdon.
Website: Abingdon Abbey Gardens Community Walks
– Bridewell Gardens
Where to find it: Bridewell Gardens, The Walled Garden, Wilcote, Oxfordshire, OX7 3DT.
Website: Bridewell Gardens
– Community Action Group
Where to find it: Across Oxfordshire
Website: Community Action Group
– Florence Park Community Centre
Where to find it: Florence Park, Cornwallis Road, Oxford OX4 3NH.
Website: Florence Park Community Centre
– Museum of Oxford
Where to find it: Museum of Oxford, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX.
Website: Museum of Oxford
– Oxford City Farm
Where to find it: Oxford City Farm, Cornwallis Road, Oxford, OX4 3NH.
Website: Oxford City Farm
– Ramblers
Where to find it: Based nationally in the UK.
Website: Ramblers
– Restore (Recovery Groups)
Where to find it: Sites from Didcot to Banbury and Oxford. Main office: Manzil Way, Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1YH.
Website: Restore
– RSPB Otmoor Reserve
Where to find it: Oxford City.
Website: RSPB Otmoor Reserve
– RSPB Vale of White Horse
Where to find it: Abingdon (indoors and outdoors).
Website: RSPB Vale of White Horse
– We Meet
Where to find it: In and around Oxford City.
Website: We Meet
– White Horse Garden Club
Where to find it: Uffington.
Website: White Horse Garden Club
Berkshire
– The Nature Discovery Centre
Where to find it: The Nature Discovery Centre, Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3FU.
Website: The Nature Discovery Centre
– Ramblers
Where to find it: Based nationally in the UK.
Website: Ramblers
– Sport in Mind
Where to find it: Across Oxfordshire Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.
Website: Sport in Mind
Oxfordshire
– Move Together/Active Oxfordshire
Where to find it: Across Oxfordshire.
Website: Move Together/Active Oxfordshire
– Park Run
Where to find it: Across Oxfordshire.
Website: Park Run
– Sport in Mind
Where to find it: Across Oxfordshire.
Website: Sport in Mind
– Wheelchair Basketball
Where to find it: Iffley Road Sports Centre.
Website: Wheelchair Basketball Oxford
– Ramblers
Where to find it: Based nationally in the UK.
Website: Ramblers
Berkshire
– Newbury Better Health & Fitness Centre
Where to find it: Park Way, Newbury RG14 1EE.
Website: Newbury Better Health & Fitness Centre
Oxfordshire
– Movement and Relaxation Classes
Where to find it: Barton Centre for Music, Waynflete Road, Barton, Oxford, City, OX3 9NU.
Website: Movement and Relaxation Classes
Berkshire
– Nourish by V
Where to find it: Newbury, Berkshire and Highclere, Hampshire and surrounding areas.
Website: Nourish by V
– Master Ding Academy Newbury
Where to find it: Newbury (for beginners) and Thatcham (advanced level).
Website: Master Ding Academy Newbury
– Wellness Collective
Where to find it: Currently around the Newbury area in West Berkshire.
Website: Wellness Collective
Oxfordshire
– A Band of Brothers
Where to find it: Jubilee Hall, Sorrel Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, OX4 6SH
Website: A Band of Brothers
– Abingdon Carbon Cutters
Where to find it: St Ethelwold’s House, 30 East St Helen Street, Abingdon, OX14 5EB
Website: Abingdon Carbon Cutters
– Alice’s Tea Party
Where to find it: 276A Cowley Road, Marston OX4 2AJ
Website: Alice’s Tea Party
– Ark T Community Lunch
Where to find it: At two community centres: The Venue and Ark-T Centre @ Templar Square.
Website: Ark T Community Lunch
– Bullingdon Community Lunch
Where to find it: Peat Moors, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7HS
Website: Bullingdon Community Lunch
– Museum of Oxford
Where to find it: Museum of Oxford, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX
Website: Museum of Oxford
– Oxford on Board
Where to find it: Oxford City
Website: Oxford on Board
– Oxford Playhouse Community Tickets Membership Scheme
Where to find it: 11 – 12 Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW
Website: Oxford Playhouse Community Tickets Membership Scheme
– Oxford Readers’ Society
Where to find it: Various in Oxford
Website: Oxford Readers’ Society
– Talking Movies
Where to find it: Various in Oxford
Website: Talking Movies Oxford
– Florence Park Community Centre
Where to find it: Florence Park, Cornwallis Road, Oxford OX4 3NH.
Website: Florence Park Community Centre
– Oxford Council of Faiths
Where to find it: Florence Park, Cornwallis Road, Oxford OX4 3NH.
Website: Oxford Council of Faiths
Berkshire
– The Secret Garden Project
Where to find it:
The Globe: 148 Bartholomew Street, Newbury RG14 5HB
Lock Island: Town Bridge and Lock Island, Kennet and Avon Canal, Newbury
Community Corner: Parsons Close, Newbury
Website: The Secret Garden Project
– West Berkshire Museum
Where to find it: 1 The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AS
Website: West Berkshire Museum
Buckinghamshire
– Beyond Difference
Where to find it: Found throughout the Chilterns and South Buckinghamshire.
Website: Beyond Difference
Oxfordshire
– Didcot Volunteer Drivers (DVD)
Where to find it: Mereland Road (Behind Methodist Church) OX11 8RQ
Website: Didcot Volunteer Drivers
– The Oxfordshire Comet
Where to find it: Throughout Oxfordshire.
Website: The Oxfordshire Comet
Berkshire
– Newbury Volunteer Driver and Car Scheme
Where to find it: Broadway House, 4 – 8 The Broadway, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 1BA.
Website: Newbury Volunteer Driver and Car Scheme
Buckinghamshire
– Community Transport
Where to find it: Throughout Buckinghamshire.
Website: Community Transport Buckinghamshire
– Curly Hair Project; Autism Training Workshop
Where to find it: Online
Website: Curly Hair Project
– Eating Disorders Forum
Where to find it: Online via Teams.
Website: Eating Disorders Forum
– Museum of Oxford – The Oxford Story Walking Tour
Where to find it: Starts at the Museum of Oxford, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX.
Website: The Oxford Story Walking Tour
– Our Voice Forum
Where to find it: Online via Teams.
Website: Our Voice Forum
– Oxfordshire Mind short courses
Website: Oxfordshire Mind short courses
– Oxfordshire Recovery College
Where to find it: Across Oxfordshire and online.
Website: Oxfordshire Recovery College
– The People’s Experience Group (PEG) at the Oxford Institute for Clinical Psychology Training and Research (OXCPTR)
Where to find it: Online via Teams.
Website: The People’s Experience Group
– Thinking Neurodivergent Forum
Where to find it: Online via Teams.
Contact: Email the forum
– Aspire Oxfordshire
Where to find it: Across Oxfordshire.
Contact: Email Aspire
