What are we doing in 2010?

We have now published our 2010 Workplan, and will be pursuing projects in the following areas:

1. Carers:
   To support the roll-out of the Carers' Champion scheme across Somerset.
   
2. Mental Health:
   To promote and support the involvement of people in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of mental health.
   
3. Enter & View:
   To establish an Enter and View Team of trained representatives to carry out visits to health and social care premises.
   
4. Transport:
   To undertake an external evaluation of patient transport services in Somerset.
   
5. JSNA:
   To feed into the JSNA report for West Somerset.
   
6. Community Chest:
   To improve community engagement by providing ad hoc funding for small projects.

1. Carers

The Somerset LINk is working with a team comprising local representatives St. John, Carers UK, Wyvernhealth.com, Somerset County Council and carers' representatives to help roll out the Carers' Champion scheme across all surgeries in Somerset. Find out more about this project here >>>

2. Mental Health

The Somerset LINk is asking mental health service users about their ideas for a Mental Health Service Users Involvement Service for Somerset. Find out more here.

3. Enter & View

Our Enter & View team was trained in Spring 2010 and is now considering projects. You can find a little more about the team here.

4. Transport Services

Transport Services for patients going to hospital in Somerset have changed a lot over the last 18 months. The Somerset LINk is going to evaluate patient transport services in Somerset, along with a small group of other people who work in this area.

5. JSNA

The Somerset LINk has undertaken a survey of West Somerset residents to contribute to the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Read our final report here >>>

6. Community Chest

We have a Community Chest for funding projects that either: 1. find out people's views about existing services in Somerset or 2. improving existing services in Somerset. Our Community Chest Decision Panel has awarded grants to local community groups and charities in Somerset. You can read more about the fund here.

How can I help?

The LINk needs volunteers from across Somerset who have an interest in our projects to participate in groups and to submit their views on services in Somerset. If you would like to help, please contact us via:

• email: somersetLINK@makesachange.org.uk
• phone: 0300 111 0102 (local rate)
• post: Freepost RSAC-KSRE-CZCE, Somerset LINks, Unit 2, Bowdens Business Centre, Hambridge, Langport, Somerset, TA10 0BP (no stamp required)