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The aim of this discursive paper was to explore the development of co-productio nand service user involvement in UK university-based mental health research and to offer practicalrecommendations for practitioners co-producing research with service users and survivors,informed by an overview of the key literature on co-production in mental health and from acritical reflection on applied research throu gh the medium of a case study. The paper is co-writtenby a mental health nurse academic and a service user/survivor researcher academic. The authorsargue that the implications of co-production for mental health research remain underexplored, butthat both the practitioner and service user/survivor resea rcher experience and perspective of co-production in research can provide practical reflections to inform developing research practice.The theories and values of emancipatory research can provide a framework from which bothpractitioners and service users can work together on a research project, in a way that requiresreflection on process and power dynamics. The authors conclude that whilst co-producedinvestigations can offer unique opportunities for advancing emancipatory and applied research inmental health, practitioner researchers need to be more radical in their consid eration of power inthe research process. [Abstract copyright: © 2018 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.]

This chapter picks up the study of gender issues within ageing populations. According to OECD statistics, the UK is the loneliest country in Europe and the least likely to report having close friendships or knowing our neighbours (OECD, 2005). The number of people living on their own has doubled since the 1970s, with single-person households now making up a third of all homes. We report on the findings of our examination of some of the factors associated with health and well-being of women living alone in later life using data collected in the 'Understanding Society' 2012. This is a nationwide longitudinal survey that captures important information on the life course trajectories of individuals in the UK. By looking at variables associated with health and wellbeing, we have identified some relevant determinants when looking at single older women living alone. The prevalence of living alone during later life varies widely across developed countries, but everywhere its growth has been remarkable in recent decades, even in societies with traditionally strong family ties (Reher and Requena, 2017). Within the increasing trend of single women living alone over time and space, there is a need to adapt and develop more accurate measures and research designs in order to begin to understand the factors impacting on the nature of ageing for those who are living alone. Forming new intimate relationships might be one way of compensating for any loneliness associated with this phenomenon (Carr, 2004).

Greater longevity in the UK population has led to the increasing diversity of women experiencing ageing in a multitude of ways. Internationally gender inequalities within ageing are still relatively invisible within both government policy and everyday life for particular groups of women. This paper explores the concept of women growing older ‘solo’ by which we mean women who find themselves non partnered and ageing without children as they move into later life. We report on the findings from a mixed-methods survey of 76 solo women in the UK aged 50 years and over, used to provide a broader overview of the issues and challenges they face as they move into later life. Qualitative data from the survey captured respondents’ perspectives about the links between their relationships status and wellbeing in later life and highlighted specific cumulative disadvantages emerging for some women as a result of their solo lifestyles. We discuss two key themes were identified; ‘solo-loneliness’ and ‘meaningful futures’ in conjunction with the relevant literature and make suggestions for future research within gender and ageing studies that could enhance more positive approaches to solo lifestyles.

A short review of research findings from an online survey of women living without partners and children as they enter later life.

This poster presents findings from a scoping study into factors which impact on successful ageing for non-partnered women without children in the UK entering retirement. Little is know about the trajectory of non-partnered women without children as they grow older in modern UK society. Our interim statistical analysis using the British Household Panel Survey demonstrates growth of women living alone as they get older. We are using this study to examine how far society is able to ascertain the trends specifically in relation to 'solo' women and the potential different 'positions' occupied by this group through the examination of different variables available for measurement in the survey. Combined with a review of the literature and study, this poster considers how to go forward to explore the key research questions that will be needed for further investigation of solo women's ageing.

Foucault referred to the authoritative ‘gaze’ that can objectify the users of public services and which continues to promote heroic narratives in many areas of professional practice by casting them in a passive role. In the UK, there has been a distinctive and growing discourse about the use and abuse of embedded ‘welfare’ system and within key professions there has been a number of ethical dilemmas and barriers in the quest for community engagement. Working within austerity and tight eligibility criteria has to some extent reinforced individualised pathologies about the causes of social problems and their potential solutions. Generating and exploring counterdiscourses which promote alternative and more challenging perspectives at an early stage in professional education is crucial to encourage students to think more actively about forging partnerships and co-production. \ud This paper shares our experiences of using filmmaking with first year students on the BA (Hons) Social Work where the process of reaching out to communities through a different medium builds in opportunities for students to be more active and open in their search for approaches and interventions which build on the strengths of communities. Students work in small groups to investigate an everyday issue in the community and alongside a range of suggested community project work, generate a short 3-5 minute film which represents different ways of seeing and capturing a range of perspectives on their selected issues. This co-learning approach is also supported by a team of tutors; a service user and graduate student who model the skills required as well as provide peer feedback for students to reflect upon, using double loops of learning experiences. Our presentation will draw on some of the students evaluation which documents the value of such experiential learning and some of the achievements and challenges in its first year including demonstration of one of the student group film.