From April 2013 local Healthwatch replaced the Local Involvement Networks (LINks) as the "consumer voice" in health and social care. It is important that local Healthwatch learns from the experience of the LINks to ensure they become the best they can be, and to prevent "reinventing the wheel". The results of a project to capture this learning are now available
Voluntary Sector North West
St. Thomas Centre
VSNW wants to ensure that its internet portal is and remains as accessible as possible to all users.
VSNW seeks to ensure that our web portal conforms to (World Wide Web Consortium) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) level 1 and aspires to reach level 2. These guidelines were adopted by the Web in 1999 with version 2 adopted in 2006.
Level one ensures that at least a minimum level of access is guaranteed. Level two removes many of the barriers for access across a range of disabilities and is seen as good practice
In developing this site we have minimised accessibility issues at the design level by removing aspects around Flash, Multimedia and minimising the need for images. We have considered colours and page design and language. We have contacted a number of user groups through our members to suggest and test our accessibility. However if you have an issue or suggestion for improving our web site accessibility please contact info@vsnw.org.uk
VSNW along with our web design partner are committed to the monitoring and improving of our site accessibility. We regularly check and monitor the site.
VSNW will accept documents for down load from third parties only if they meet the level one WCAG criteria. VSNW will link to sites that meet the WCAG level one criteria, those that fail will be highlighted.
For more information read VSNW's Website Accessibility Policy
Regional Voices, of which VSNW is a partner, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from the Department of Health (Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund) to support voluntary and community sector influence on health and wellbeing boards
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills has published the findings of a research study on European Social Fund delivery with the aim of informing thinking around the next round of programmes
Healthwatch England was formed in April 2013 and is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in England. They have now published a list of local Healthwatch, including those for the North West
The Local Government Chronicle held a webinar to explore the essential elements to ensure local healthwatch organisations are effective in scrutinising local health services and provide a voice for communities. Regional Voices, of which VSNW are a part, are mentioned.
An analysis has been published by NAVCA of the 74 areas that received Transforming Local Infrastructure and provides a national perspective, and allows the sharing of information and ideas
