Local Involvement Network (LINk)
The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act updated the system of patient and public involvement in England, by requiring that every local authority area should have a Local Involvement Network (LINk). Each local authority has to contract a 'host' organisation to set up and support their area's LINk.
What is a LINk?
LINks are networks of local people and organisations who support and promote the involvement of patients, service users, the public, and voluntary and community groups in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of their local health and social care services. The LINk will be involved in a range of activities. It will:
- promote and support involvement in commissioning, provision and scrutiny of local care services
- gather information on local people's views
- enable people to monitor and review local care services
- convey views and make recommendations to decision-makers and service providers
Joining the Lambeth LINk
The LINk is totally independent. It is open to all Lambeth residents, groups and organisations who:
- Are interested in health and social care issues
- Want to find out more about how the NHS, Lambeth Council and other organisations deliver services
- Are keen to influence these bodies and the services they provide
- Want their voice to be heard on health and social care matters across the borough
- Believe it is important that local people play a role in monitoring, advising and influencing local health and social care services
- Have had an experience (good or bad) of health and social care they can share, to help services improve in the future
The progress of the Lambeth LINk
In April 2008, Lambeth's Transitional LINk was established. A Transitional LINk Steering Group was subsequently set up and currently meets monthly, putting in place governance arrangements for the LINk. For further information about the work of this group please go to the following:
In July 2008, following a competitive tendering process, Age Concern Lambeth was appointed as the host organisation for the Lambeth LINk. We will shortly put their contact details on this site and they are now the main point of contact.
If you would like to know more about the work of the LINk or want to join please contact Kwasi Kamasa (Manager) or Sally Chandler (Engagement Officer) on 020 7272 8522 or email: s.chandler@aclambeth.org.uk or k.kamasa@aclambeth.org.uk.
You can join the LINk by completing and returning an application form to Sally or Kwasi. There are two forms, one for voluntary and community organisations and another for individuals: