Local Involvement Networks - LINks

Warwickshire Local Involvement Network (LINk)

The Goverment recognised that more people should have more choice and a louder voice about the services they receive not only from the NHS, but social care as well, in recognition that people tend not to use just one service alone and care packages can involve both health and social care. LINks has been introduced to help strengthen the way communities, groups and individuals can have a say about the services that they receive from the NHS and the County Council.

What is a LINk?

A LINk will be a network linking local people, organisations and groups that want to make health and social care better, making sure that local people's views are heard at all levels.

What will a LINk do?

The job of the LINk will be to:

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give everyone a chance to say what they think about their local health and social care services - what is working well and what could be improved

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give the people the chance to check how health and social care services are planned and run

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feedback what people have said about services so that things can change for the better

What powers will a LINks have?

A LINk will have a range of powers they can use to inform and influence how local services in Warwickshire should improve. They will:

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make reports and get a reply from service providers within a set amount of time

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ask for information and get a reply within a set amount of time

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visit services to see and review what they do

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tell councillors on an Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) what they have found out about services and get a response

Who can be a part of a LINk?

Anyone can be a part of a LINk. We want to ensure that the new LINk represents everyone in the community. This means that all different groups and people in Warwickshire will be able to join in and have their say. LINk members could include

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organisations led by patients, service users and carers

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local voluntary and community organisations

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individual people but you do not have to be a member of a LINk to get involved or have your say

How will LINks be set up?

LINks will need to be set up to ensure there are different ways people can be involved in shaping local services such as using surveys, attending meetings or via email. Others may want to represent their community or organisation.

What will the host do?

As well as setting the LINk up, the job of the host will be to:

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hold meetings so that people can come and get involved

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work with local people and groups to set up how LINk will work locally an decide what to do

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hold money for the LINk and be responsible for keeping records of how money is spent

More information about LINks LINks Explained

How can you get involved?

If you are interested in becoming a member of LINk you can contact the host - Health Advocacy Partnership (HAP) by telephoning 0845 0949459 or by following this link to Community Voices Online - http://www.communityvoicesonline.org/

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