About Us
What is the ERYLINk?
The East Riding of Yorkshire Local Involvement Network (ERYLINk) is a network of local people, organisations and groups who have formed a network to work to improve local health and social care services.
In 2008 LINks were established in every local authority across the whole country – following government changes in the way health and social care services are delivered. The government’s aim is to give local people a stronger voice in the process of planning and running health and social care services.
LINks give people and groups the chance to say what they think about their local services and to suggest ideas for improvement. They work with their local Council, NHS Trusts and other organisations providing health and social care services funded though the taxpayer to make sure that these views are heard and to influence their plans and spending decisions.
What does the ERYLINk do?
The ERYLINk meets regularly to listen to comments and suggestions which people in the community have made, then considers how it can work to research the issues further, gather more public opinion, contact the services concerned and make recommendations based on its findings so that services can improve even further. It can invite guest speakers to inform the members what developments are happening and what plans that service may have for the future.
What powers does The ERYLINk have?
The ERYLINk has legal powers as set out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. The Act also places a duty on the East Ridng of Yorkshire Council, local NHS and other organisations to listen and respond to the Link.
Under the Act ERYLINk can
- Ask for information from the commissioners and providers of services and receive a response
- Collect views and experiences of services and submit reports and recommendations on issues to commissioners and providers of services and receive a response
- Approved ERYLINk representatives can ‘enter and view’ health and social care premises to look at how services are being provided to people
- Ask the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee to investigate issues further and receive a response
The ERYLINk provides real influence over those who commission, provide, manage and scrutinise local health and social care services, to help improve these services.
How is The ERYLINk run and who funds it?
The ERYLINk is an independent body run by its members who decide the LINk work priorities. An annually elected Lead Group then manage this work programme and decide how the LINK budget is spent. Ultimately it is the members of The ERYLINk who are in control as they will elect the Lead Group, and approve the LINk work programme and its annual report and accounts.
The Humber & Wolds Rural Community Council has been commissioned by The East Riding of Yorkshire Council to be the ‘host’ organisation to help set up The ERYLINk, support its development and hold its finances. A staff team of three employed by The HWRCC carries out the day-to-day work of the LINk.
See our Who’s Who page for more details of the LINk Lead Group and staff team.
The LINK is funded though a grant from the Government over 3 years. The East Riding of Yorkshire Council monitors the performance of The HWRCC as the LINk ‘host’.
Why get involved?
If you get involved you can:
- get attention for neglected issues or ideas
- influence those who make decisions about new or existing health and care services
- help the community speak with a stronger local voice
- help services provide better care
To be an effective and strong voice on local health and social care services the ERYLINk needs the expertise of local voluntary and community groups and individuals.
The ERYLINk will not take over or duplicate the work of groups who use or represent those who use health and social care services, but will help to bring together those groups with the rest of the community to give people a stronger local voice and to make a difference, using its legal powers.
The ERYLINk needs to be able to represent everyone in the local community – people and groups of all backgrounds in all parts of the East Riding of Yorkshire.
The ERYLINk also seeks to give people and groups who do not usually have their voices heard, the chance to share their views. Many people and groups would like to influence services but may not have time to attend meetings or sit on committees, The ERYLINk uses a many ways to help you get involved. It’s up to you how and when you get involved.
Interested? Then join us – individuals click here, organisations click here
Any Questions?
Look at our Frequently Asked Questions where it may be answered, or Contact Us.
