Frequently Asked Questions

What does LINk stand for?

Local Involvement Network

Why has the LINk been established?

LINk's remit covers all publicly funded health, care and community services in Sutton. It does not matter who provides the service; as long as the users of the service are publicly funded, it falls within the remit of LINk.

Sutton is combining LINk with our existing community Engagement Network to create a new larger Sutton LINk that will enable both individuals and community groups to have their say about all the services provided by the Council and the local Health service.

Sutton LINk will have a range of powers to influence the improvement of local services.

What local services will Sutton LINk cover?

LINk's remit covers all publicly funded health, care and community services in Sutton. It does not matter who provides the service; as long as the users of the service are publicly funded, it falls within the remit of LINk.

Sutton is combining LINk with our existing community Engagement Network to create a new larger Sutton LINk that will enable both individuals and community groups to have their say about all the services provided by the Council and the local Health service.

Sutton LINk will have a range of powers to influence the improvement of local services.

Why should I join Sutton LINk?

To have your say in decisions about your local health, social care and community services. Sutton LINk (the Local Involvement Network) is the new way for people who use local services to talk directly to the NHS and the Council about what they want, and to get questions answered about current issues. If you want to find out about health and social care locally and have your say in decisions about local services, then Sutton LINk is for you.

Who can become a member of Sutton LINk?

Any individual living or using services in Sutton.

Any organisation/network based in Sutton (as long as it is not a public sector organisation or network)

The more it becomes a "network of networks", the more strength it will have from the diverse communities across Sutton and the stronger its voice will become on your behalf.

How do I become a member of Sutton LINk

To become a member all you need to do is to complete the form in the Sutton LINk leaflet, or online here or call 020 8644 2867.

Is Sutton LINk part of the council or the NHS?

Sutton LINk is independent of the local authority,

Primary Care Trust (PCT) and hospital trusts. It is an independent organisation run by local people and accountable to the community. LINk is supported by a Host organisation – Sutton Centre for the Voluntary Sector (SCVS)

Are the LINks the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums just renamed?

No, LINks replace the Patient and Public Involvement Forums they have a different role and different powers.

Who runs Sutton LINk?

An elected steering group of local people runs Sutton LINk, supported by the Host organisation, Sutton Centre for the Voluntary Sector (SCVS).

The host employs a small team of people to support the work of the steering group, promote the LINk and work in the community.

Where does the Sutton LINk get it’s money from?

The bulk of the funding for the Sutton LINk comes from central government through the Department of Health over a three year period from 1st April 2008. Additional local LINk resources for engagement with specific parts of the community come from Sutton Borough Council and Sutton Primary Care Trust.