Men Only Event 5th April 2011
Speak up! How to be assertive at your GP’s practice
• Have you ever come away from your doctors feeling like you didn't really understand everything?
• Do you sometimes find it difficult to deal with the receptionists at the practice?
• Have you ever lacked the confidence to ask more questions or request a certain course of treatment?
You’re not alone! Many people are worried or unable to speak openly and frankly with their doctor or find it difficult to assert themselves with staff at their GP’s practice. Brighton and Hove LINk , in partnership with the Mens’ Network are providing a short session to help you learn to be more assertive and get the care and attention you need.
You will learn some useful tips and ideas to
• Ask the right questions
• Explain what you want and need
• Say what you don’t understand
• Say what you do not want
When? Tuesday April 5. 3.30 – 5pm
Where? Friends Centre, Brighton Junction, 1A Isetta Square, 35 New England Street, Brighton BN1 4GQ. Map and directions here: http://www.bhlink.org/contact/default.phuse
No need to book, but if you have questions, please contact Claire Stevens at the LINk office Claire@cvsectorforum.org.uk -01273 810 234
After this session, there will be a half hour (5.15 – 5.45pm) information session on rights in the NHS and how to feedback on services and a final session (5.45 -6.30pm) which will be an opportunity to give your views and experiences to LINk regarding access and support in health and social care – what works and what could be improved.
These sessions will also be run for everyone throughout the year. Thanks for your interest and we look forward to seeing you there!
New LINk Book
Be part of a living Health and Care Book Do you have an interesting story that you would like to share with us? Then tell us. We want to hear your health and adult social care story. If you have used Brighton and Hove health or adult social care services provided by the NHS and/or local authority (council) over the last two years, please tell us your story. We will not use your name or other identifying information and will use the stories to form a ‘book’ of Brighton and Hove. This will be used to help improve health and adult social care in the city and be widely available throughout the city. Closing date: 28.02.11
New LINk Groups
As you may know LINks will become Local HealthWatch in April 2012, as the LINk will begin its transition year this April we are restructuring to ensure the maximum health and social outcomes for the people of Brighton and Hove. The LINk will also face additional challenges as it anticipates a reduction in funding which will mean less staff to support the LINk. We will need your help more than ever to help improve health and social care in the city. We are starting new groups on three areas and need people willing to participate in these. You don’t need any previous experience, just an interest in these areas; anyone can participate, whether you are a member of the public, or from a community group or organisation. You would be expected to come to one meeting a month (the group will decide dates etc) and be willing to help with LINk tasks. All out of pocket expenses will be paid, and training will be given.
Primary Care – (GPs, dental surgeries, opticians, pharmacies)
Secondary and Community Care – Royal Sussex County Hospital services (including A&E and urgent care), community services, Brighton General Hospital, intermediate care, occupational therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy, screening, speech and language therapy, smoking cessation, rehabilitation, sexual health, breast feeding, district and school nurses, health visitors, public toilets etc. Next meeting: Monday 21st February 18.00-20.00
Mental Health – Mental health including substance misuse (drugs and alcohol). Next meeting: Friday 18th Feb 14.00 – 15.30.
Please call 01273 810 235/4 info@bhlink.org for more details, and to register your interest. If you are unable to join a group you can still give your views on these areas to the LINk office
Archive News
Missing person Gary Allport (photo and details here).
Dragons' Den
14.00-19.00, Thursday 25th November 2010
Auditorium, Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton (directions to the venue)
Brighton & Hove Local Involvement Network (B&H LINk) are organising a Dragons’ Den style event, giving away up to £5,500 to organisations or individuals in the city.
To be in with a chance of securing investment, project leaders will have ten minutes to pitch their idea to a panel of judges, in the style of the popular BBC2 programme. To be eligible to enter, participants must be individuals, groups or registered charities, living and/or working in Brighton and Hove.
The project idea must have a clear health, wellbeing and/or adult social care focus and be of benefit to those using services in Brighton & Hove. Any profits must be reinvested in the project or benefit the wider community.
Claire Stevens, B&H LINk Manager commented: “In this time of economic uncertainty, when funding for new projects can be really hard to come by, we thought it a great opportunity to give local individuals and organisations the chance to pitch for funds in a fun and creative way”
Neil Holmes, B&H LINk Steering Group member and one of the Brighton ‘dragons’ commented: “ People love watching BBC2’s Dragon’s Den as it shows how great product ideas can secure real investment. There’s no reason why funding for health and social care projects couldn’t be done in the same way.”
This event will be held in public, so do come and watch – no need to book.
More information on B&H LINk's Dragons's Den
How to apply to be in the den
Who are the dragons?
Robert Brown MBE, chair of BH LINk, he was awarded an MBE this year for his contribution to the Bevendean community. Robert has been a carer and worked for the NHS. He is also the Chair of B&H Crossroads and was awarded Adult Learner of the year.
Neil Holmes, is the Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Care Co-ops (a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of activities and services to learning disabled adults and people with mental health support needs). Neil is also a trustee of the Community Voluntary Sector Forum. Neil is the Chair of the LINk’s mental health action group.
Doris Ndebele is Team Leader at BMECP (Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership)and is passionate about ensuring people from Black, Minority and Ethnic communities are involved in the planning, design, delivery and monitoring of health services and the wider health policy agenda. Doris is also a LINk steering group member.
Mick Lister is a former Telecommunications Manager and is a very active retiree. He is chair of the LINk engagement group and heavily involved with the Pensioners Action Group. He's keen on most sports, and is an active member of his community, Hove and is passionate about engagement issues.
Francis Tonks is a former Head of Department at East Ham College of Technology London and was a Councillor. Francis is also a very active member of the Older People's Council. Francis is passionate about older people's rights.
Ground rules of the LINk (and den)
Promotional Poster