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Taking part in a local forum can be a good way of getting carers' concerns highlighted with senior representatives from local authoritites, health and other parts of the community.
There are a number of opportunities to have your say:
Known as LINks these new bodies will be established in every local area from April 08. They replace Patient Forums and have many of the same powers - e.g. right to scrutinise local health centres, and can demand a response from local statutory bodies. They are intended to be broader than the Forums, and give the wider community more of a say in how their local services are run. For the first time they will also cover social care, and be able to inspect care homes and social services.
Find out more about LINks - more...
These groups are responsible for putting the local Carers Strategy into action, and usually include carer reps. You can find out more about them - such as their role and membership from the Carers Lead in your local council. The contact details will be on your council's website - you can find this out here....
Many areas have established Carers Forums to give carers the opportunity to air their views on a wide range of topics. Their contact details will be available from your local carers centre - more...
In Lancashire the Carers' Forum have put together a Charter which has improved the way that staff respond to carers.
