Did you know there is a new opportunity to have your say in making our health and social services better?

The Brighton & Hove LINk – short for Local Involvement Network - is a new local, powerful, independent network of people and organisations. It's been set up to give our residents and groups a stronger voice on health and social care issues.

They are holding two launch events on Wednesday 22 October at the Jubilee Library in Brighton. One is from 2-4 pm, and the second is from 5.30-7.30 pm – because they want as many people as possible to have the chance to come along.

They will be holding workshops to help you understand what's involved and how you can have help influence local services. They will also be holding elections to their steering group.

And just to make everyone feel extra welcome, there's going to be free tea, coffee and healthy snacks!

Community involvement
Robert Brown, a member of the LINKs' interim steering group, explained what it's all about.

Why has the LINk been set up?
LINKs are being set up around the country to get a wide range of views in order to influence health and social services. The council has contracted the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) to host our LINk, because of their skills and experience.

I've got involved because I believe that health and social care services will only get better if local people's views are listened to and acted on.

What exactly is the LINk?
The LINk is a network of people, groups and organisations. Anyone can get involved; there are lots of different ways to have a say and it doesn't have to be sitting on a committee.

The LINk will work hard to connect with people who may be easier to ignore, using lots of different ways like the internet, small meetings and events for people to express their views. For people who want to get more involved, there are opportunities to work on a specific issue or join an action group.

What can the LINk do?
Legislation means that the LINk can enter and view premises where services and care are provided, ask for information and get a response within a specific timescale. It can also make recommendations to improve services to the local Overview and Scrutiny Committees. But the LINK doesn't deal with individual complaints.

How can people get involved?
Get in touch to sign up to receive our newsletters! Also, keep an eye on our website and look out for posters. Our launch event is on Wednesday 22 October - everyone welcome!

For more information, please

• Email link@cvsf.org.uk
• Telephone 01273 234782
• Online to the LINk