Community engagement and involvement in developing a community-based signposting tool for mental distress

Common mental health conditions are increasing in England, with growing severity and unmet need. Evidence shows that mental wellbeing is strongly shaped by wider social determinants such as income, housing, employment, and relationships. Conventional clinical approaches may not adequately address these underlying factors, highlighting the need for preventative, community-based solutions.

This paper describes the community involvement and engagement (CEI) approach used to develop CoSign, a digital signposting tool designed to help individuals identify social determinants contributing to mental distress and access appropriate community support.

The development of CoSign incorporated CEI throughout the research process, guided by the INVOLVE research-cycle framework and the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation. A total of 29 stakeholders-including healthcare professionals, voluntary sector representatives, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience-contributed through workshops, consultations, and collaborative activities. Engagement focused on shaping the tool's design, content, accessibility, and implementation considerations.

Stakeholder input informed key aspects of CoSign, including the identification of relevant domains of need, refinement of language to improve accessibility, and the structure of the user experience. Practical considerations, such as service capacity, inclusivity, and potential barriers to engagement, were highlighted and addressed. The resulting web-based tool enables users to self-identify areas of social need and receive tailored signposting to community resources. CEI enhanced the relevance, acceptability, and usability of the tool.

Meaningful community involvement is essential in developing accessible, preventative mental health tools grounded in real-world needs. However, challenges such as limited resources, stakeholder fatigue, and equity in participation must be managed. The CoSign project demonstrates the value of CEI while underscoring the importance of flexible, context-sensitive approaches to engagement.