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
11 September 2012
This fund is independent and aims to protect essential services for homeless people, encourage innovation and support communities to adopt the 'No Second Night Out' standard. The fund is administered by Homeless Link.
In round 3, they particularly encourage applications from areas of high homelessness need and which are close to reaching the No Second Night Out standard. Grants of £50,000 to £200,000 are available over 12 or 18 months. The total budget for round 3 is £3.7 million. Funding decisions will be made in December 2012 and all projects must start in March 2013.
For more information including an eligibility questionnaire, notes and to apply, visit the Homelessness Transition Fund website. The deadline for main grant applications is 12 noon on Friday 12th October.
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
