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
2 May 2013
In this edition:
► List of North West local Healthwatch contacts
► Could technology be helping you do more, more easily?
► Job opportunities and upcoming events
The full bulletin can be viewed via the following link - VSNW Bulletin #73
30 April 2013
In this Bulletin:
►Plastic bags charge
►Better local travel, more choice: new transport toolkit
►Latest environment publications, events and funding
23 April 2013
VSNW participated in a response, co-ordinated by NCVO with a number of participants, into proposed changes to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations. The final submission is now available.
16 April 2013
Included in this edition:
11 April 2013
This briefing highlights:
► Latest on the NW Universal Credit Pathfinder areas
► Shaping local future support via DWP's 'Local Support Services Framework'
► Welfare Reform Timetable
► Role of councils and concerns about implementing Welfare Reform
11 April 2013
In this edition:
► Briefing #85: Welfare Reform Update
► Healthwatch - Communities Involved project
► Job, consultant and tender opportunities
The full bulletin can be viewed via the following link - VSNW Bulletin #72
2 April 2013
In this Bulletin:
►Planning reform update
►Neighbourhood planning
►Latest environment publications and events
7 March 2013
In this edition:
► Book on the Lay Leaders North West events
► Healthwatch Communities Involved Newsletter
► Forthcoming North West VCS events
The full bulletin can be viewed via the following link - VSNW Bulletin #71
28 February 2013
In this Bulletin:
►HS2 campaign
►Consultation on Marine Conservation Zones
►Upcoming environment events
26 February 2013
Included in this edition:
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
