19 May, 2009 - LCVS

A NETWORK giving Liverpool’s residents a greater say in the future of their health and social care provision is launching a major recruitment drive.

Liverpool’s Local Involvement Network (LINk) is an independent network made up of local people and voluntary sector organisations.

The role of LINk is to find out what people in the city think about health and social care services and to work with commissioners and providers to create lasting improvements.

The network, which is hosted by Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS), is open to all and helps services to be more responsive to local needs.

On Sunday 24 May, there will be a special edition of The Pete Price Show on City Talk and Radio City. Members of the LINk Support Team will be on air from 11pm to discuss the role of LINk and how you can get involved.

From Monday 25 May, the Radio City ground crew and LINk representatives will be taking to the streets of Liverpool to sign people up. Everyone who signs up will be entered into a prize draw, which will be held on The Pete Price Show on Monday 8 June.

Prizes include a meal for two at the Radisson Hotel, a day of pampering at a MySpa clinic and manicure and pedicure treatments at Jinny B on Smithdown Road.

Kathy Hull, LINk Service Manager, said: “Everyone uses health and social care services on a regular basis. Every time you visit a dentist or your GP, use a hospital or plan care for an elderly relative, these services are affecting you. “This is your chance to improve health and social care provision in Liverpool and influence how services are run. To do this, we want you to become a member of Liverpool LINk. It is simple - the more people who join, the more influence we have to get the standard of services that people deserve.

“We believe that it is important for LINk to be accessible to all and have made sure there are lots of ways to get involved. From responding to an occasional survey to working on a short-term project, there is something suitable for everyone.”

Samih Kalakeche, Director of Integrated Health and Social Care Commissioning for Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Primary Care Trust, said: “We are delighted that LCVS is supporting the development of the Local Involvement Network in Liverpool. We want to provide the best possible services to the people of Liverpool and the only way we can achieve this is through people working with us to give us their views, share their experiences and tell us what they want, and need, now and in the future - so please get involved!”

For further information, please contact the LINk Support Team on 0151 227 5177.