Derby Local Involvement Network (LINk)
What are LINks?
Derby LINk is a Local Involvement Network. LINks are networks of local individuals, community groups, voluntary organisations and service providers that have been set up by the Government to give local people a say in how local health and social care services are designed and delivered.
In Derby, the LINk is supported by Derby CVS. We currently have over 30 volunteers on this project and, thanks to our work with the voluntary sector, we are able to gather opinion and contributions from hundreds of different organisations across the city.
We work with stakeholders, including health trusts and other statutory bodies, voluntary groups and networks, and with the general public to improve participation and communication between these groups. Through this, we aim to positively influence commissioning and policy, which ultimately improves the life of people in the area.
What can LINks do?
- Ask local people what they think of local health and social care.
- Look into specific issues of concern to the community and make recommendations to the people who run and plan those services.
- Ask for information about services and get information in a specified time.
- Refer issues to the local council overview and scrutiny committee if action is not being taken.
- Carry out authorised visits to see how services are working.
How can you get involved?
LINks are designed to be as open and accessible as possible; therefore we have developed a range of ways of participating to ensure everyone can get involved.
You could be a:
- Member – attending meetings and taking a full part in Derby LINk's activities.
- Researcher – finding information about issues raised, consulting with your community and informing the Derby LINk of your findings.
- Ambassador – meeting with service providers and acting as a point of contact for LINk members, representing the views of the LINk when asked to do so.
- Participant – receiving information from Derby LINk about current issues and letting us know your thoughts and playing a more active role if you wish.
( If you would like to know more about Derby LINk and how you can take part, please contact the LINk team on 01332 227730 or call in to Derby CVS at 4 Charnwood Street.
