Barking and Dagenham
Local Involvement Network
Local Involvement Network
LINks are Local Involvement Networks and enable the community, service users and groups to have a greater say in improving local health and social care services.
The LINk will ensure that they have the opportunity to say what they think about local health and social care services and their experience of using them.
The LINk has a number of statutory powers to hold services to account. LINks have direct access to and work with people who plan, fund and provide services. This enables us to ensure that service providers take in account the views of the LINk and service users when developing services.
The main role of the LINk is to;
LINks want your views and experiences of using services. This will help us identify priorities where improvements need to be made, and identify what is working well. One way in which you can do this is to email us your views and experiences on mysay@bdlinks.org.uk
LINks will strengthen the voice of local groups, forums and service users taking issues directly to those who can make a difference.
Yes. At Barking and Dagenham LINk we have already helped to inform and influence how services are developed. The more people and groups that get involved and support their local LINk will make its voice even stronger and more powerful.
LINks were set up under the Local Government and Public Health Act 2007, and came into power in April 2008. This Act gives local people more say in the way that the whole health and social care system is designed and works.
To ensure that LINks are effective and can create change they have certain powers, these include;
LINks are accountable to its local community. You will be able to influence the work that your LINk prioritises and takes forward to improve services.
Barking & Dagenham (B&D) LINk is hosted by the Centre for Independent, Integrated and Inclusive Living (CIIIL) which is user led organisation. It is the host’s responsibility to ensure the LINk is supported in carrying out its duties and functions. There is a dedicated team to support the work of the LINk.
B&D LINk has an Executive Board which takes the strategic lead in developing priorities of the LINk ensuring that it is listening to and addressing local issues and priorities. There are also sub / working groups which plan and take forward specific tasks and issues to ensure the work of the LINk is taken forward and developed.
B&D LINk is committed to not only asking for people’s views, experiences and contributions, but understands that one of its key roles and duties is to report back to the community on what happens with the information they give and the progress it is making.
We have a freepost address and freephone telephone to encourage greater involvement.
See our "Contact Us” section for all of the ways in which you can contact the LINk.
You do not have to give a big time commitment to get involved or make a difference. You can be involved as little or as much as you want, and as it suits you. It’s up to you how or when you get involved, and we can and will support you in this.
Some of the ways that you can be involved include;