The LINk
The LINk (Local Involvement Network) is a brand new local, powerful, independent network of people and organisations, which gives Brighton and Hove residents and groups a stronger voice on health and social care issues.
A successful public stakeholder event was held 12 June. Over 80 people attended and talked about their main concerns regarding health and social care services in Brighton & Hove. A summary of the report from this meeting will be distributed to everyone who attended. It will also be available on this website and from the LINk office from 30 June 2008.
For more information please contact link@cvsf.org.uk or telephone (01273) 234782.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LINk?
‘LINk' stands for the Local Involvement Network for Brighton and Hove. Local Involvement Networks are being set up around the country, replacing the Patient and Public Involvement Forums (and before that the Community Health Councils). The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum will host the LINk in Brighton and Hove.
Why the change from the Patient and Public Involvement Forums (PPIF)?
The LINks will broaden representation to existing networks and health groups. The remit of LINKs will also broaden to include adult social care. LINks are now linked to a geographical area, rather than Trust responsibility area.
Who can get involved?
The LINk is open to all individuals, groups and organisations who live in Brighton and Hove. The LINk aims to get a wide range of views so that all health and social care services in the area can be influenced. The network will ensure that some service users who have had less involvement in the past, such as mental health service users will be involved.
What are the benefits of getting involved?
The LINk will provide opportunities for individuals, groups and organisations across communities to work together to make a difference to health and social care services.
What power does the LINk have?
Legislation means that LINks will be able to:
- enter and view specific types of premises where services and care are
provided;
- ask for information and get a response within a specific timescale;
- make recommendations and get a response within a specific timescale; and
- refer matters to the local Overview and Scrutiny Committee and get a
response
Who is setting the Brighton and Hove LINk up?
The Brighton and Hove LINK is hosted and supported by The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF). CVSF has been contracted by the council as host as it has experience of engaging a wide range of people.
Who decides what the LINk looks like?
The structure, principles and initial priorities of the network will be decided by a steering group through consultation with the network.
Who is on the steering group?
An Interim steering group has been established to guide the initial development of the network. Members of the group represent local groups such as: MIND, 60 + Forum and Sussex Partnership Trust plus service user representatives.
How can I get involved?
Every section of the community will be asked to contribute their views and experience and will ensure that groups and individuals, who might not often have their voice heard, get a say.
How much time will it take up?
There are lots of different ways to have a say and it doesn't have to be sitting on a committee. The LINk will provide more ways for more people to be heard and will work hard to engage with people who may be easier to ignore. Opportunities such as using the internet, focus groups, events and other mechanisms will be established for people to express their views. For those who want to get more involved, there will be opportunities to work on a specific issue or join a group.
What if there's an issue before the LINk is established?
Issues can be fed to the Interim Steering Group through the LINk Development Team
If you would like to contact someone about the event, please telephone Mark Habibi, at Brighton and Hove Community and Voluntary Sector Forum, on (01273) 234782.
