LINks
Local Involvement Networks - Helping you choose the health and social care services you need
The Community Regeneration Department acts as host to this innovative programme designed to help the users of the heath and social care services in Sandwell and Walsall get the care they want. The project is specifically about helping the community to have a say about the services they receive.
LINks are formed of a number of volunteers. There are three levels of involvement within the LINk:
Participant: A person or organisation that wants to influence decisions or concerns through the LINk, although they may not be in a position to participate on a regular basis. Participants may wish to just receive information and updates for the LINk, and contribute by taking part in surveys or commenting on consultations.
Member: A person or organisation that commits to taking part on a regular basis in the development and implementation of the LINk and to provide or collect information from a local community.
Officer: Overseeing the work of the LINk as an elected member of the Management Group.
Sandwell
Sandwell LINk is open to all individuals and organisations that either live, work, or receive their health and social care services in Sandwell.
To find out more, click here to visit the Sandwell LINk website, email us at SandwellLINk@bcha.co.uk or call us on 0121 561 1969.
Walsall
To get involved with Walsall LINk you must either live or work in Walsall.
To find out more, click here to visit the Walsall LINk website, email us at WalsallLINk@bcha.co.uk or call us on 01911 711 228.
Local HealthWatch
One of the latest developments around these initiatives will come out of the Health and Social Care Bill, due to pass Parliament during 2012. The Bill sets up Local HealthWatch organisations to replace Local Involvement Networks in April 2013. Both Sandwell and Walsall have Transition Subgroups which seek to keep the community up-to-date with what is known about this; please feel free to contact the Hosts to learn more.
