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
A major project for Voluntary Sector North West is to strengthen the influence of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in regional and national decision-making.
Improving Representation supports and motivates VCS organisations and their representatives in the North West of England to better influence policy-making. It also works with regional statutory agencies to increase their confidence in the accountability of VCS representatives. Specifically, the project:
This project is managed by Martin Preston, Representation Project Manager.
“Across the North West the appetite for the sector to meaningfully engage with decision makers has been growing, both ‘bottom-up’ from the sector itself, and ‘top-down’ from statutory agencies,” said Richard Caulfield, Chief Executive of VSNW. “While this presents a number of challenges, there are already plenty of examples of good practice and partnership working. Building on this foundation we will strengthen the ability of the sector prove why it should have a place at the decision-making table, and then to have a meaningful impact by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our communities are not forgotten by policy-makers.”
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
