The co-production virus

There are many examples of co-production in Wiltshire - first responders schemes, community car schemes, speed watch, volunteers running libraries, agricultural cooperatives, community orchards, flood wardens, street pastors, cycling opportunity groups and loads, loads more. Not unique I know; these groups exist all over the UK. One thing I have noticed about these initiatives is that invariably they are run by genuine enthusiasts - men and women who will tell you all about their projects if you only have a few minutes to listen.

I believe (based on no science) that resilient communities are characterised by the existence of such community-led activities. So, the challenge is to spread the approach, not through traditional community development approaches because we can't afford that any more, no, what we need to do is facilitate social contagion.

Sounds more complicated than it is in reality. What we do is write up a menu of co-produced solutions that operate across the County. On the menu we include the 'offer' from the public sector - small grants, assets, equipment, training, support - relatively small scale stuff. On the menu, we also include the contact details of the people who have set up and managed successful schemes elsewhere - we connect the curious with the incurable enthusiasts. Publish and promote. Bingo, the conditions are created for an epidemic - let the contagion begin.