Register of Networks
| North West Community Involvement Network | |
|
Information An informal group of individuals working in the North West linked by a shared enthusiasm of community engagement and patient and public involvement in health services. We run an e-group, website and hold quarterly meetings to share ideas, offer support and generally inspire each other. The North West Community Involvement Network (NWCIN) is an informal group of people who work in health or community organisations in the North West, all with a special interest in Community Involvement. We have over 300 members. We provide learning, encouragement and the opportunity to share best practice. We feel that we give unique support to the work of health and voluntary organisations. We are proud that we have maintained a vibrant and enthusiastic group who self support through the pressures involved in facilitating the cultural changes which are central to the new Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) agenda.In early 1999, we were aware that individuals who had a special interest or responsibility for involving patients and the public in organisations were often working in relative isolation. This could be stressful and stopped people making the most of their efforts. Originally we sent out a flyer to each Primary Care Group, Health Authority and Community Health Council in the North West and asked is anyone would like to join us. We held an event and found people who were keen to get ideas and inspiration to tackle an increasingly complex Patient and Public Involvement agenda. Membership now comes from many different organisations including PTC’s, Health Action projects, acute Trusts, Social Services, voluntary organisations, Forum Support Organisations, Patient Forums and PALs. The network aims to: 1. Help members share information about Patient and Public Involvement 2. Help members keep abreast of the latest developments in the field 3. Enable members to share experiences – what does and does not work 4. Provide the chance for member to find support To do this, we have a website and run an active e-group which enables members to share views and ideas. The e-group is a simple email device which enables each registered member to send email directly to every other member of the Network. If, for example, you wish to find out if anyone else has found effective ways to tackle a particular issue, one email will put the enquiry directly into the Inbox of all 300 members. This is a quick, easy and cost effective way of communicating with others with special expertise or interest in the field. We also hold regional learning seminars at least quarterly. Funding has come from several sources. Originally, the then Junior Health Minister, Hazel Blears, provided a small amount of funding and the support of the NHS Information Authority to develop the website and e-group. Since then, we have attracted small but sufficient funds from various health agencies. Last year we received a small grant from the three Strategic Health Authorities. We aim to provide the opportunity for activists in this field to have support and information. So, we feel that it is important the membership and attendance at meetings is free. Administration and practical support is provided through the Burnley Pendle and Rossendale PCT. Agendas and, speakers are organised through the members using the e-group as the main means of communication. At each quarterly seminar, we offer the opportunity to share experiences, learn about leading edge projects and to gain personal support. As we span the three Strategic Health Authorities, we have a much broader area to trawl for good practice and we can complement the work done by the developing StHA networks. |
|
Contact Cath Sissoncath.sisson@bprpct.nhs.uk | History |