Time is on our side: operationalising ‘phase zero’ in coproduction of mental health services for marginalised and underserved populations in London

Coproduction is increasingly positioned as the gold standard for improving health engagement with marginalised groups. Yet little is known about how key factors such as power, position and culture impact success. Our research aims to identify the psychosocial factors and resources that enable successful coproduction between Black, Asian and other Minority communities and statutory agencies within a coproduction network for mental health services in London. Within our multi-site ethnography, 53 individuals completed: participatory learning appraisal (PLA) workshops, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews. Unstructured observations of network activities were also completed. Data were analysed using thematic network analysis.The findings highlight that coproduction is enabled by symbolic, relational and material resources. Resources are input before coproduction activities begin, within a newly conceptualised ‘phase zero’. Unconstrained by typical funding cycles, the phase shifts power, resources and relationships through recognising and addressing power asymmetries and histories of oppression facing marginalised groups. Implications for coproduction are discussed.