Get YOUR voice heard on improving health and social care in Kent
Benefits of joining the Kent LINk
There are a number of benefits to becoming involved in the Kent LINk.
These include:
- getting attention for neglected issues or ideas
- influencing those who make decisions about new or existing health and care services
- helping the community speak with a stronger local voice
- helping services provide better care
By joining as an individual or on behalf of a voluntary organisation, the Kent LINk can help you join up with others who share your interests in either health or social care. You can benefit from the powers, influence and resources at the disposal of the LINk to help "get your voice heard".
What does it mean to "join" the LINk?
Who can join?
Every person, community and voluntary organisation in Kent can be part of the Kent LINk and can participate at any level they choose with no strings or obligations.
So long as you live, work or receive health or social care services in Kent (or receive services that are purchased by the Kent County Council or Eastern and Coastal Kent or West Kent Primary Care Trusts) you can join the LINk. Even if you work in those services you can join, although you would be expected to declare an interest as appropriate and may not be able to take part in certain activities. For example, carrying out a "mystery shopper" investigation to a site or service where you work or where you have some responsibility for purchasing or providing that service.
What is involved?
Participants can take part at any level they want. They can:
- Just receive Information
- Get the LINk Newsletter
- Find out about LINk events
- Find out about changes to health and social care services in Kent or their local area
Consultations:
- Have the opportunity to take part in consultations
- Take part in surveys and opinion polls, online discussions or attend meetings and contribute to the improvement of a service
Take part:
- Join a focus group or other information gathering forum
- Visit health and social care services as a "Mystery Shopper"
- Represent the LINk on a committee or working party concerned with purchasing or developing health or social care services
There are no right or wrong ways to get involved - it is up to you. You can dip in or dip out or get more or less involved; the choice is yours!
Why not become part of the new Kent LINk family?
You can now join the Kent LINk online:
