Lewisham Local Involvement Network (LINk) is a network of people and organisations or groups, who are able to represent the views and ideas of lots of different people.
Sometimes the people who use services don’t feel they have a strong enough voice to change aspects of their health or social care. LINks is part of a wider process to help the community have a stronger local voice.
Lewisham LINk will:
- ask local people what they think of local health and social care and suggest improvements directly to the service providers
- look into specific issues, make recommendations and get a response
- ask for information and get answers in a specified amount of time
- be able to carry out spot checks to see if services are working well (checks are carried under safeguards)
- refer issues to the ‘Overview and Scrutiny Committee’ if it seems action is not being taken.
There are a number of benefits to becoming involved in a LINk, which include:
- getting attention for neglected issues or ideas
- influencing those who make decisions about new or existing services
- helping the community speak with a stronger local voice
- helping services provide better care.
Be part of a LINk
It’s up to you how and when you get involved – you can just comment on issues when contacted or you can get more involved – by helping to raise awareness of an issue or by helping to find solutions (for example – meeting providers or being part of a working group).
Who can join?
Anyone: Carers, service users, community leaders, patient representatives, everyone's views matter. Groups can also join: charities, faith groups, tenant organisations, youth councils, BME organisations and business federation, anyone who wants to make sure the needs of their community are listened to.
Give us a call at Lewisham LINk on 020 8690 3900 and get involved with Lewisham LINk.