LINks were introduced in 2008 as a replace for the PPI forums. They are volunteer led groups that give residents a voice in shaping, and holding to account, local health and social care services. There are 150 in the country - and Barnet LINk has had a quiet time of it over the last 18 months or so. My role was to reinvigorate the organisation, increase membership and establish it as a credible, active and respected force within Barnet.
So far the membership has trebled (in 2 months). Three LINk welcome events have been held - with speakers including the Chair of NHS Barnet briefing members on the Health and Social Care Bill and the Chair and Chief Executive of the Royal Free Hospital talking on the proposed move to foundation trust status.
There is a major adult social care event planned for March 10th - with speakers including the new director of health and social care and the lead councillor for adult social care. This include communication on the budget cuts to ASS.
A training programme is in place - covering Enter and View (a statutory inspection power), ambassador training (to develop an outreach team) and effective representation at meetings (to cover the roles and responsibilities involved in being a spokesperson at key decision making meetings).
Finally, we are are providing weekly e-newsletters to all members so that they are able to keep in touch with developments.
A hectic schedule of activities - with lots of project research and exploratory meetings taking place behind the scenes.
It all comes to an end on 25th March - when CommUNITY Barnet will appoint staff members to carry on the work.
