Processes of co-producing a complex community based intervention in a disadvantaged neighborhood
Abstract Background Empowerment-based community interventions which may include co-production in local decision-making have become more and more common to address health and social inequalities. However knowledge concerning how best to develop and implement such interventions in a disadvantaged neighborhood is sparse. The purpose of this study is to look into the processes and potentials of co-producing a community restaurant in the socially disadvantaged neighborhood Tingbjerg in Copenhagen. The study is part of the initiative Tingbjerg Changing Diabetes which is based on the Supersetting approach involving multiple stakeholders in Tingbjerg. The purpose of the Restaurant is to engage residents and building capacity through participation in cooking workshop, social dining and co-production processes. Methods The study is based on Community Action Research (CAR). It mixes in depth ethnographic fieldwork and participation in the processes of developing the restaurant with participatory methods engaging residents in the development process, interviews with stakeholders and residents and using program theory to guide the process. The study is still ongoing, but data from five months participant observation and interviews with 5 stakeholders has been gathered to date with participatory methods planned. Preliminary findings Findings show that processes of co-producing and implementing a community restaurant in Tingbjerg through a Supersetting approach are characterized by agility, context sensitivity, adaptability and trust building, and that these have the potential to ensure resident participation, capacity building and sustainability. Conclusions Adaptability, context sensitivity and engaging multiple stakeholders in a long term commitment are imperative when working to build community capacity. In addition, participation and co-production are concepts that have to be carefully considered and applied stepwise and over a long period of time when working with vulnerable groups. Key messages Sustainable and effective community interventions in disadvantaged neighborhoods rely on strong and long term commitments by multiple partners, adaptability and context sensitivity. Co-production with vulnerable groups has the potential of being empowering, but only when applied contextually and stepwise.