Local Involvement Networks (LINks) are part of a new government initiative starting from April 1st 2008. The LINks have been introduced across England to enable local people to shape their health and social care services.
A LINk is made up of local people, organisations and community groups. The LINk manages its own agenda and resources and identifies relevant issues to be addressed.
Support is provided to the LINk through an independent 'host' organisation that have been contracted by the local authority.
The Carers Federation has been appointed as the host to a number of LINks countrywide.
The role of the host is to support the development of a LINk, this may mean assisting a group to develop its core activities such as:
The Carers Federation are the Host for LINks in the following areas;
Individuals who use health and social care services, groups that work within the local community, carers, patient representatives...anyone who has a view on local services can become a LINk participant.
The LINk finds out issues and concerns from local people, and then decides what actions to take. This could range from raising the issue with the service provider or statutory agency to running a consultation event.
The LINk then decides on a work plan or course of action which could include assisting the health or social care provider to address the issue, or taking some other form of action to remedy the problem, for example enter and view, where a working group for the LINk may enter providers' premises, talk to those receiving the service and evaluate the services on offer.
All health and social care services that are provided with public money, this could include:
This can range from giving your views to volunteering your time to visit a hospital ward. Input from everyone is welcomed. If you have the time you can become involved in a steering group or 'working group' for the LINk. If your time is restricted you can still participate by becoming involved in specific debates and decisions that you are personally interested in.
You can give as much or as little time as you want, and you can even get involved in 'one off' issues if you wish
No, but certain expenses that are incurred carrying out LINks work may be reimbursed. This is for the LINk to decide.
You can contact us here at Carers Federation and we will send you a 'Participation pack'.
By e-mail: links@carersfederation.co.uk
By phone:
Blackburn with Darwin LINk: 01254 504985
Cheshire LINk: 01606 45920
Darlington LINk: 01325 380145
Doncaster LINk: 01302 554970
Herefordshire LINk: 01432 373605
Leicester City LINk: 01162 795075
Middlesbrough LINk: 01642 230434
Nottingham LINk: 01159 754647
Shropshire LINk: 01743 343223
By participating in your local LINk you will have YOUR voice heard where it matters most.
ICAS can help if you want to make a complaint about NHS services
Young Carer Support services
