Hertfordshire LINk and St Albans Centre for Voluntary Service (CVS) joined together on 12th July 2011 to provide attendees with the chance to shape the future of their local health and social care services.

Styled as a Conversation Cafe, it was a special information and networking event for voluntary organisations and charities who deliver services to older people, carers, people with disabilities and other vulnerable residents in the city and district of St Albans.

Henry Goldberg, Chair of Hertfordshire LINk, talked about what LINk is doing now and in the future, including the transition in to HealthWatch.

Martyn Macphee, Vice-Chair of Hertfordshire LINk, facilitated the event. Four questions were discussed on eight tables, at the end of fifteen minutes all participants moved to a new table to discuss another interest.

Discussions involved:
What do you like about the service you receive from your GP and what could be improved?
What is your experience of using Social Care Services? What do you like about the service and what could be improved?
How can the voice of the voluntary sector be heard more effectively?
What makes a good hospital?

Responses from this event will be analysed and any issues or compliments will be addressed or shared at meetings with CEOs of NHS Trusts and Directors of social services, by Hertfordshire LINk Theme Groups and by Hertfordshire LINk observers on Trust Boards.

Feedback from the event was it was a useful information and networking opportunity.

These events will be rolled out across Hertfordshire over the next fifteen months.

If you are interested in attending an event in your district, please contact chantal.weedon@shaw-trust.org.uk for more information.