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February 2010 Issue 6

Leicestershire LINk is establishing a Young Person’s Group

Hello, I am Jhon Bateman and I am the Chair of the Leicestershire LINk Young Persons Group. I am 12 years old, and I have spoke at Parliament on several occasions about disability issues that surround young people. I feel proud to be the Chair of a group that in the future will make a change, and I cannot wait to get the group started! All young people are entitled to an opinion, and I hope that I will be able to guide the group in a direction where young people and adults are working hand in hand to make a change in health and social care services. I am eagerly awaiting the first meeting and getting to know everyone! I know that soon, you will be reading about some of the things we have been able to do because we have made a change. Please get in touch with the LINk Team if you want to be involved, or want to know more. Thank you,

Jhon

Jhon Bateman Chairman, Leicestershire LINk Young Persons Group

Inside this Issue: Launch of the New Carers Mini Booklet 2 Leicestershire LINk cares for Carers, Do you too? 2 LINk Student Mental Health Group is Starting to Make a Difference 3 LINk Representatives Needed 4 Welcome to New Staff... 6 Making your VOICE HEARD 7 Leicestershire LINk and Parkinson’s Disease Society 8 Looking at County Council Budget Cutting 8 Policy information at your finger tips 9 Leicestershire LINk Board Welcomes You 10 Contact Us 10

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Launch of the New Carers Mini Booklet

Leicestershire Adult Social Care Carers’ Service has launched a new Carers’ Mini Booklet.

The design is simple: Credit Card size perfect for placing in to a purse or wallet, and contains useful contacts for Carers’ support and information available in Leicestershire. Shown here actual size, the Mini Booklet has been developed as a direct result of feedback and comments from Carers. It will be made accessible to Carers through outlets such as Libraries/Pharmacies/GP Surgeries. The aim is to reach those Carers who do not currently receive support or services, to raise awareness and encourage more recognition of the role of caring.

This Mini Booklet was launched at the December 2009 Carers Rights Day Information Event held at Leicestershire County Council. The Event was open to staff from both LCC and local Health partners with caring responsibilities to not only give them an opportunity to gain information that may be helpful but also to let employers know what other types of support may be helpful to employees who are juggling work and caring. If you would like a copy of the Mini Booklet, please contact Pat Fraser on 0116 305 7415

Leicestershire LINks cares for Carers Do you care too?

The LINk is organising an exciting event for Carers on the 18

th March. This is part of the follow-up from the really

successful Carers’ event last year. The aim is to establish a Task Group for CARERS to work on the many important issues you have raised with us. Pat Fraser, Planning & Development Officer for Carers from Adult Social Care, Leicestershire County Council will be telling us about the services, which are currently available for carers. You will have the opportunity to express your views about these services and to be involved in planning future work.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to be part of the Action for Carers If you would like more information about this event or would like to book a place then please contact Christine Middleton, Tel 0116 229 3048 or email christine@ccp.org.uk or you can contact Kamini Patel, Tel 0116 229 3029 or email kamini@ccp.org.uk.

Thursday, 18 March 2010 Glenfield Parish Council

Park House, Stamford Street Glenfield

Leicester, LE3 8DL

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LINk Students Mental Health Group is Starting to Make a Difference

Many people within Leicester and Leicestershire with mental health difficulties are studying, or aiming to study, at Higher Education level. While attempting to achieve their aims, special consideration needs to be given to the Health and Social Care services available to them during this important stage of their lives. Success at HE often leads to improved health, social and economic outcomes.

Students have a greater say The Leicestershire LINk Mental Health Group has recently arranged 2 meetings for people studying in Leicester and Leicestershire to have a greater say about how their mental health needs may be supported by Health and Social Care services, while studying at Higher Education level. A Working Group was formed subsequent to LINk's inaugural meeting, following representation from Loughborough University about the needs of this specific population. Participants now include Loughborough University, De Montfort University, Leicester University, Leicestershire/ Leicester City Primary Care Trusts, Leicestershire Partnership Trust, City and County Adult Social Care, City LINk, Representatives from Black and Ethnic Minority Groups.

Partnerships do work By being able to involve appropriate members of Health and Social Care, the need for improvements to services for this specific group of people is increasingly recognised. Having a Working Group looking at a specific group - i.e. Students at HE level - has enabled discussions to be focussed, ensuring that the Health and Social Care needs of a section of the community in Leicestershire are examined in some detail. Leicestershire LINk has been able to provide a forum to ensure that the key issues are agreed upon, and for the respective Health and Social Care services to indicate how people's needs are currently being met. Likewise, gaps in service provision have been highlighted and action points developed for how they could be met in future, and - importantly - by whom. Leicestershire LINk have organised efficient and effective meetings to try to ensure that the voice of students with mental health needs - who are under-represented in consultations about Health and Social care - is heard within those services. The work of this group does not operate in isolation, as it also feeds into that undertaken by LINk for other groups (e.g. transient communities). Dan Doran Mental Health Co-ordinator

Would you like the LINk to visit your group?

If your organisation would be interested in a visit from the LINk to talk about our role, and the different ways in which everyone can be involved, please contact us.

Our contact details are on Page 10 or you could visit the

Leicestershire LINk website www.leicestershirelink.org.uk

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The LINk is delighted to be invited to represent the public on the following ‘planning groups.’ This means that, by being at the table, we are able to influence and improve local health and social care services. We need LINk members who would be prepared to attend these meetings and be actively involved. This is an opportunity to not only represent the LINk but to be at the forefront of shaping future services and saying what you think. So, please read on if you are interested...:

Charnwood Health and Well Being Partnership The purpose of this Partnership is to improve health and well being and to reduce health inequalities in Charnwood. It brings together District Councillors, Voluntary Organisations, County Council, the NHS and now the LINk. Meetings are held quarterly in the Council Offices in Loughborough. The next meeting is on Wednesday, 24

th March at 6.00 p.m. Ideally the

LINk Rep should live or work in Charnwood.

Blaby Together Healthy & Strong Communities Theme Group This is described as a central co-ordinating body, responsible for developing and delivering services to improve the health and strength of people and communities in Blaby District. Members are from the District Council, Voluntary Organisations, County Council, the NHS, and . . . . . now the LINk. The next meeting is Tuesday, 30

th March at 10 a.m at The Pavilion,

Huncote. The LINk Rep should have an interest in Blaby District, either living or working in the area.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust ‘ Patient and Carer Consultation and Advisory Group’

The Advisory Group is an independent and self-governing group who have an interest in the working and development of all local mental health and social care services. The Group brings together patients, carers, voluntary groups and representatives from LPT. It deals with everything to do with patient care, outpatients, community and social services. It meets monthly at different venues. The LINk Rep should have an interest in mental health, either as a service user, carer or experience of a family member.

LINk Representatives Needed

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What support will be available for Reps? LINk Representatives will represent the interests and perspective of LINk members (who are made up of the general public, voluntary & community groups). In order for you to do this, you will be supported by the LINk Host organisation, you will receive briefings and an induction. Travel and Care Costs will be reimbursed.

What will be expected of you? You will be required to attend the Planning Meetings regularly, though we do hope to

appoint people willing to deputise.

Provide a summary of the relevant proceedings and decisions made by the Planning Groups.

These are really important roles and vital that an element of public engagement happens through the LINk. If you would be interested or would like to know more, please contact Gill Wollerton Tel: 0116 229 3028 or email gill@ccp.org.uk

Continued...

Look out for...

Report on the NHS Car Parking Consultation Personalisation Event for Individuals and Groups from BME

communities on Thursday 8th April Update on the Carer’s Task Group Policy Information at your Finger Tips Welcome from Communications Officer Community Health Services Feedback

... In the next issue!

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Welcome to New LINk Staff...

Saima Khan

Hello My name is Saima Khan and I’m the newly appointed LINk Policy Officer. I’m delighted to have joined Leicestershire LINk on the 8

th February and extremely happy to be working and

living in my home town Leicester. I’ve spent the last two years at Staffordshire County Council on the National Graduate Development Programme (a scheme to fast track individuals to management positions). My experiences on leading many service/strategic projects provide me with the right skills and knowledge to do my role effectively. So what’s my role about? I shall be reviewing national health and social care policies and looking into how it is applied locally. My aim is to ensure that LINk members, community groups and individuals are kept up to date on policy changes and new policies introduced nationally as well as locally. How will I do this? I will do this through sending policy briefings to our members and working with our experienced engagement officers to set up events where policies can be discussed and debated. This is to make sure that where the opportunity arises, your voice is heard and is fed back to relevant organisations accordingly. I’m also looking forward to speaking to and working closely with key stakeholders in the County and Region. Partnership – why? By working in partnership, I shall be able to excel in my role in helping you shape, challenge and influence the services you receive. How do you contact me? If you would like to speak to me, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0116 2293103 or alternatively send me an email at: saima@ccp.org.uk

Kamini Patel My name is Kamini Patel and I started work with Leicestershire LINk in January, as a Network Development Officer. I will be working full time and hope to meet existing members, increase awareness of Leicestershire LINk, promote and support individual’s involvement in health and social care issues and listen to what you have to say about local health and social care services. I used to work in the 5

th most deprived ward in the East Midlands,

Worksop South East and have worked with a wide range of community groups, service providers and statutory organisations. I hope this experience will help me to develop productive working

relationships in my new role.

I am looking forward to having the opportunity to ensure the community of Leicestershire are

able to have their say on health and social care issues.

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Leicestershire LINk knows there are lots of examples where people go to see their Doctor, or Consultant in hospital, and come away confused or have been afraid to ask questions. If you can relate to this and have said YES to any of the following, we may have the course for you!

Avoid asking your Doctor questions?

Forget to say the most important things at appointments?

Leave the surgery feeling confused?

Want to feel more involved in making decisions about your health?

Ever wanted to get your views across at a meeting but felt uneasy?

Avoid going to meetings because you don’t understand what people are talking about?

Want to feel more involved when attending meetings?

Want to feel more confident in new situations?

Want to be able to have a say in what matters to you?

The courses are very informal, will be fun but will also help you to ‘GET YOUR VOICE HEARD.’ They are FREE to attend and if you are a LINk member expenses can be claimed. Leicestershire LINk is delighted to be putting these on in partnership with the WEA, whose expert trainer will be delivering these courses.

If you would like more information or a Booking Form, then please contact Kamini Patel, tel:

0116 229 3029 or email kamini@ccp.org.uk. There are limited places available for this

training, so please book your place early.

How to. . . . . . . .?

Where? When?

How to talk to your doctor and health professionals

Friends Meeting House, Leicester

Thursday 4th

March at 1pm

How to feel confident attending meetings

Friends Meeting House, Leicester

Wednesday 10th

March at 1pm

How to feel confident speaking in public

Wigston Salvation Army, Wigston

Tuesday 16th

March at 10am

Making your VOICE HEARD

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Leicestershire LINk and Parkinson’s Disease Society

The Project Group of the LINk has been actively involved in two areas of work with the Parkinson’s Disease Society. An important issue has been strengthening the "Get it onTime" initiative, which encourages staff in hospitals and social care services to rigorously ensure that patients and residents, who have the disease receive their specialised medication for Parkinson’s at prescribed intervals, even when these intervals do not coincide with drug rounds. It should be appreciated that people with the disease are probably in hospital etc for reasons other than their Parkinson’s disease but if they don’t get their medication at the right time, their symptoms will deteriorate. LINK members discussed this issue with the Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Leicester and recently the Regional Manager of the Society met with UHL staff to discuss training issues for staff. The LINKs is also working with the regional Parkinson’s Disease Society to fully support the development of a countywide Community Neurology Service. This service would greatly improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease, increase access to Nurse Specialists and reduce hospital admissions. If you have Parkinson’s disease or know someone who has and is experiencing difficulties relating to these issues, then please get in touch with Leicestershire LINk.

It has been widely publicised that Leicestershire County Council have to make considerable savings over the next few years, which will inevitably affect services. Leicestershire LINk is very concerned and wants to ensure that people who use services, are consulted with and are able to influence any changes, such as reductions or cuts. We are also concerned that some of these cuts with affect Voluntary Sector organisations, and the services they provide. The LINk will be considering these problems and looking at ways we can work with the County Council. Please come along to a meeting on Wednesday, 10

th March

2010 at 1.30 p.m at The Beaumont Enterprise Centre, Boston Road, Leicester LE4 1HB. We will probably be inviting a Spokesperson from the County Council to bring us up to date on what is being proposed. To find out more contact Gill Wollerton.

Looking at County Council Budget Cutting

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Hello and a big welcome to my page, as you must have seen already I’m the new LINk Policy Officer. So that you’re kept informed I’ll be issuing short and snappy briefings in every newsletter on what is hot and happening in the world of policy.

I intend to cover most of the policies that I think are of most interest to LINk Members. However, if you’re aware of a policy and would like me to ensure it’s covered, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Hot off the press As you may recall Leicestershire LINk arranged a very successful consultation event with you in response to the Big Care Debate.

Only just recently, in connection with this, the prime minister has pledged for “more choice, control and personalisation in health and social care” whilst speaking at the health think-tank the King’s Fund, on Monday 8 February 2010.

So what does he mean? The Prime Minister has set out plans to develop the offer of care in the home and to provide a dedicated one to one nursing for cancer patients.

Changes? He wants to ensure that any changes that are proposed will result in a NHS which focuses on prevention and early intervention.

By pushing forward reforms, the Prime Minister would like to introduce new, legally enforceable NHS promises such as:

Cancer patients being able to see a specialist within two weeks of referral by a GP and cancer test results within one week All patients to be offered hospital treatment within no more than 18 weeks of seeing their GP All patients will be able to register with a GP open into evenings and weekends A regular health check on the NHS for everyone over 40

In the care system, all those with the highest needs being looked after in their own homes to receive free personal care.

The full transcript can be found on the following webpage: http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page22402

We can all hope these changes are implemented. I’ll definitely make sure you’re kept informed if this progresses. I wish you all well, Saima

LINk Policy Officer

Policy information at your finger tips

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Visit the Leicestershire LINk website: www.leicestershirelink.org.uk

Contact Us

The Leicestershire LINk covers Leicestershire and is hosted by CVS Community Partnership.

Based at:

Beaumont Enterprise Centre Boston Road Leicester LE4 1HB

General email: info@leicestershirelink.org.uk

Website: www.leicestershirelink.org.uk Gill Wollerton Project Manager Tel: 0116 229 3028 Email: gill@ccp.org.uk Ian Clowes Engagement Officer Tel: 0116 229 3050 Email: ian@ccp.org.uk Christine Middleton Engagement Officer Tel: 0116 229 3048 Email: christine@ccp.org.uk Kamini Patel Network Development Officer Tel: 0116 229 3029 Email: kamini@ccp.org.uk Saima Khan Policy Officer Tel: 0116 229 3103 Email: saima@ccp.org.uk

Leicestershire LINk Board welcomes you All LINk Board meetings are open for people to come along, and you would be most welcome. The Board meets every month and all meetings are held in public. This will give everyone an opportunity to listen to discussions, find out what happens and talk to members about health and social care issues. The LINk Board is responsible for all of the decisions relating to how the LINk works but it also supports groups to carry out the work of the LINk, especially on specific areas of health and social care. You can also submit agenda items for consideration, though these must be sent to the LINk Office 10 working days before the meeting. Dates of meetings and minutes from previous Board meetings are published on the LINk website or can be sent to you on request. Names of Board members are also listed. Why not come along and meet Board members at the following meetings:

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 at 10.00am at Beaumont Enterprise Centre, Boston Road, Leicester, LE4 1HB

Wednesday, 14 April 2010 at 10.00 am at Wigston Salvation Army, Ladysmith Road, Wigston, LE18 4UZ

Wednesday, 12 May 10.00 am at Wigston Salvation Army, Ladysmith Road, Wigston, LE18 4UZ

If you need any further information, please contact the LINk Office.