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LINks (Local Involvement Networks) are being established nationwide to empower communities with a stronger voice in shaping local health and social care services. Replacing PPI Forums, LINks actively engage various community members, from service users to local leaders, in providing feedback, sharing experiences, and suggesting improvements for services. By monitoring local care, garnering opinions, and promoting awareness, LINks facilitate better communication between the community and decision-makers, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
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The LINk Service “Better Care Through a Stronger Voice”
Background • LINks are being set up all over the country • Designed to give communities a stronger voice • Replaces PPI Forums • LINks will bring together local people and groups
The Role of a LINk • Support more people to get involved in shaping local care services • Actively canvas all sections of the community to gain views and experiences of services • Provide the community with a mechanism for monitoring and reviewing local care services • Let commissioners and others know what people have recommended to help improve services
What does a Link do and what powers does it have? • Ask local people what they think of health and social care • Give people an opportunity to suggest ideas that may help improve services • Request information and receive a response within a specified timescale • Look into specific issues of concern, make recommendations and get answers • Visit premises/services to see what they do and gain views and experiences of service users • Refer matters to Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Who Can Be Involved in LINks? • Anyone – • Carers, service users, community leaders, patients representatives Everyone’s views matter • Groups can also join – charities, faith groups, resident’s associations, youth councils, BME organisations Anyone who wants to make sure that the needs of their community are listened to
What is Happening in Merton • MVSC appointed as host • Steering Group being established • Awareness Raising meetings taking place • Publicity being widely circulated
Why get involved? • It is an opportunity to: • Raise your issues higher on the agenda of the statutory sector • Talk to those who make decisions about new or existing services • Join forces with others concerned about the same issues • Hold service providers to account on behalf of your clients/members
What next? • Complete registration card • Questions, comments, issues