These free events are a great opportunity to share and embed best practice across all LINks in the run up to local Healthwatch. They are ideal for LINks members who wish to gain more confidence and enhance their skills, as well as those who are new to LINks and want to make a difference to local health and social care services, improve local patient experiences and outcomes, give a voice to those who are seldom heard and hold commissioners and providers to account.  The three-hour events will focus on how people can develop their skills as leaders, carry out enter and view visits, represent the views of local people, engage with diverse local communities and influence decision makers. They are free to attend, travel expenses will be paid and lunch will be provided.

Invitation to the LINks learning events from Paul Burstow, Minister of State for Care Services

The Department of Health has asked a consortium of its strategic partners to run a series of learning events for LINks members over the next few months: the events will be delivered in partnership by Disability Rights UK , NAVCA, the Race Equality Foundation and Regional Voices .

As places are limited to 2 per LINk, we ask that bookings are agreed in advance through LINks Chairs. People can sign up now to attend the first of a series of events, which will explore the role of leadership in the context of LINks, help you reflect upon your own leadership challenges, identify solutions and enhance your leadership skills and confidence.

 The series of five events will focus on issues that LINks members have identified as development issues:

• Leadership- developing skills as leaders
• Enter and view- how to carry out the visits
• Engagement with diverse local communities
• Representation- representing the views of local people
• Influence- how to influence decision makers

 The sessions will be delivered in 14 locations across the country.  See below for locations and dates.  To book your place, please follow the link to the booking form http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LINKsMemberEvents Exact locations with postcodes will be sent to delegates one week before each event.

• North East
• North West
• Yorkshire & Humber
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• East
• London
• South East
• South West

For any queries with bookings email events@regionalvoices.org or phone Ciara McIntyre on 0191 2332000