Help to shape the future of care and health services in Staffordshire

The session, which will be held on 26 January, has been set up to attract fresh ideas and renewed interest in service delivery.

The announcement comes following the county council's decision to take over the coordination of the LINKs (Local Involvement Networks) to help it restructure and gain new momentum before handing it to an independent provider to run.

"We're firmly committed to making sure LINks can become a real success here in Staffordshire," said County Councillor Matthew Ellis, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing. "But we need a much wider participation if we're to secure a broad range of views and interests. It's an exciting time for anyone wishing to have an influence over these types of services. All we ask is that people come along to find out more and be prepared to give up a small amount of their time in order to have their say on behalf of the county."

All local authorities have a duty to set up LINks. Introduced in April 2008, it aims to give people a stronger voice in how services are delivered. Run by local people, LINks exists to find out what people want, monitor local services and use their powers to hold related services to account.

The event will take place at Yarnfield Conference Centre near Stone. It will give people an opportunity to find out how they can get involved and discuss proposals for the best way forward in helping to build a stronger, more successful LINks.

Voluntary organisations and other community sector organisations are also encouraged to come along and find out about the important role they can play in the LINks.

In the future, it is hoped that LINks will collaborate more closely with other local organisations, especially those charged with examining and shaping different aspects of health and social care services.

Better links with Staffordshire's statutory Health Scrutiny Committee and a focus on using strengths, powers and expertise more collaboratively will also be of huge benefit.

Anyone wishing to attend or who would like to find out more should contact LINks by 18 January on 01785 887990 or email sue.baknak@staffordshirelink.staffs.com.

Matthew added: "It promises to be an interesting event with a thought provoking agenda. It's also an opportunity for people to also have their say on how the new LINks should look and feel."

Page Last Modified: 14/01/2010 15:02:29

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