EP 21: From Lived Experience to Leadership: Pete Fleischmann on Co-Production, Mental Health, and System Change

Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to bring lived experience into the heart of public services — not just as a voice, but as a driver of real change?In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Cate speaks with Pete Fleischmann, Director of Co-production Works, who shares how his own experience of mental health challenges — and disillusionment with traditional psychiatric care — led him to champion co-production and peer support across health and social care.With roots in the mental health survivor movement and decades of work spanning research, consultancy, and service redesign, Pete reflects on:Why traditional mental health services didn’t work for himThe power of co-production to transform systemsWhat peer support and psychotherapy offer that services sometimes missHow Zen meditation, cycling, and connection keep him groundedThe story behind Co-production Week and SCIE’s widely-used principlesWhether you're working in mental health, social care, or just curious about what genuine co-production looks like — this is a conversation about purpose, persistence, and the people-first future we can build together.Learn more about With You and our peer support communities at with-you.co.ukFind out more about Pete and his work at coproductionworks.co.ukListen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.uk