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
10 July 2012
Applications are open to umbrella organisations and service providers from the VCS sector and they are particularly interested in supporting events targeting margainalised or minority groups in the Criminal Justice System.
In a rapidly changing CJS, it is more important than ever to think about new ways of working with old partners. Change is all around with the advent of the police and crime commissioners, proposed changes to the Probation Service and community sentencing, the increasing role of local authorities in the context of localism, community budgets, the Troubled Families agenda, changes in public health, and the introduction of payments by results in many new funding opportunities.
This funding is aimed at supporting the VCS to think of creative new ways to survive and thrive through collaboration.
Clinks are inviting expressions of interest from organisations across England and Wales. If you would like to apply, complete the form and return it to Nathan Dick. Deadline for applications - 31st August 2012. For further information, visit the Clinks website.
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
