1. Getting involved in Local Involvement Networks (LINks) Andy Harrison Long Term Conditions Alliance

2. LTCA is the umbrella body for national voluntary organisations in the UK working to meet the needs of people with long-term health conditions Our Mission: To ensure people affected by long-term conditions have access to the services and support they need and can be active participants in determining their care. LTCA is also a member of the consortium that makes up the NHS Centre for Involvement (NCI).

3. Presentation Summary What is a LINk? Why get involved in the local LINk? How can we get involved? More information

4. What is a LINk? A strong community voice that can influence commissioning of local health and care services LocalBased on Local Authority boundaries driven by the local voluntary and community sector and local people InvolvementEnsuring all voices have equal strength to be heard NetworkOpportunities to engage – in different ways

5. What is special about LINks? Creative – building on existing networks and partnerships Flexible – enabling different methods of participation, both from individuals and groups Powerful – having legal powers to require information from commissioners and providers of services, and to receive a response to comments

6. LINk Carers Network Neighbourhood renewal network Youth Council Patients Transport Groups Foundation Trust Governors Tenants Groups Local business groups Patient Groups Older People’s Forum Faith Groups Support Groups for Specific Service Users Individuals Minority Ethnic Groups Local Strategic Partnership Individuals A LINk is a network that is made up of many groups and individuals, for example …

7. A successful LINk will be owned, developed and shaped by groups, organisations and individuals at grass-roots level. LINks were established from 1 April 2008.

8. Why get involved in the local LINk? LINks create opportunities to … influence the commissioning of health and care service get our issues higher on the agenda of the statutory sector give members a louder, stronger voice make use of the legal powers of LINks for the benefit of our members network with other PPI enthusiasts and share knowledge

9. When can we get involved? At the beginning – to shape the focus and priorities When it’s established – to provide members with an amplified voice When there’s an issue relating to commissioning or provision of services that would benefit from broader input and a louder voice

10. How can we get involved? In person Through events Through meetings Electronically By ‘phone By letter On our terms

11. Where to go for more information Locally – contact your Local Authority or LINk Host organisation Documents – www.nhscenterforinvolvement.nhs.uk www.nhscenterforinvolvement.nhs.uk LINks Helpdesk e mail – info@LINks.nhs.ukinfo@LINks.nhs.uk LINks Helpdesk phone – Tel: 024 7615 0705 Share information – www.pcx.nhs.ukwww.pcx.nhs.uk

12. Thank you Brenda Cook Voluntary and Community Sector LINks Project Worker Long Term Conditions Alliance (LTCA )