Tackling health inequalities in coastal communities requires research that is responsive to local contexts and inclusive of lived experience. Co-production offers a means of developing such knowledge, particularly when working with communities that have historically been underserved by mainstream services. This study aimed to explore collaborative approaches to co-producing local policy solutions and research agendas related to community health and wellbeing on the Fylde Coast, North West England. Guided by a critical realist epistemology, the study brought together residents, service providers, local authority staff, and academics in three co-production groups. Participants were recruited using purposive, snowball, and convenience sampling. Sessions were held at a community hub and designed using participatory methods, including Photovoice, scenario-based problem solving, and research prioritisation. Session recordings were transcribed and explored through inductive thematic analysis, which identified five overarching themes: inclusive participation and representation; procedural steps in co-production; navigating group dynamics; individual empowerment through co-production; and systemic influence and strategic enablers. This study demonstrates how co-production can generate meaningful, context-specific knowledge and support community engagement in shaping health research and service design. Reflexive attention to power, inclusion, and group dynamics were essential to building trust and maintaining engagement.
Kara et al. (Tue,) studied this question.