Link up for a chain reaction!

by AIMEE KEAY

Before I launch into the STEPS song, the focus of this month’s blog is on linking up with different areas of the community, creating a stronger chain (and so a bigger and better chain reaction!) as we work towards common goals. There’s strength in numbers, right? And the more links, the more effective we can be! As the GIG group is aware, Claire Stevens, the manager of Brighton and Hove LINk (Local Involvement Network) recently attended the February GIG to raise awareness, and get more people involved in the project. Brighton and Hove’s LINk was set up so that we (that is Joe or indeed Jo- Public!) can influence the way health and social care services are run. So how can the LINK fit in with Get Involved? There was discussion about helping with the Occupational Therapy waiting lists and the chaotic car parking at Sussex Country Hospital. What do you think? Does this sound like your type of chemistry? Get in touch and you can be in the middle of a chain reaction (you know you want to sing along!).

Another link in this chain is through NHS Brighton and Hove, who are seeking participants for their Equality Impact Assessments, which aim to get disabled people involved in their decision-making. They need policy pickers to look at their general policies and intentions and help through questions, constructive suggestions (note the use of this word!) and opinions. Plus, you get training to help you participate! Does this get you fizzing with excitement? If so contact Jon (jon.hastie@bhfederation.org.uk) or Alex (alex.hawkey@bhfederation.org.uk). The initial sessions have now passed, but there will be more ahead so get in touch. Did you attend? If so, give us your feedback! Tell us about it! It would be great for a future blog! And an EIA is exactly what’s happening with the taxi issue, so it’s more relevant than ever. Hopefully we can see the EIA result in less taxi blues for everyone (especially as a part of the review involves revising the ‘blue book’ regulations taxi drivers are subject to!).

Finally, in typical British fashion, how can I make it through this blog entry without talking about the weather? The relief is on everyone’s lips: finally we can all start looking forward to the summer! And this summer, the Fed has some exciting times ahead with a Disability Summit planned, which aims to promote more active involvement from our member organisations (we don’t want our chain to get rusty!), uniting to work towards disability equality! All of these organisations are campaigning for the same thing, as is everyone with different impairments- fairness and respect, and by uniting we are making the chain even stronger. Did you know the GIG started with only one participant and the Chief Executive of the Federation? Look how it’s grown. As Alex points out, the GIGs only work because of the participants who attend- two heads are better than one.... and twenty two heads are even better still! So we’re looking forward to seeing as many people as possible on March 16th (luckily there’s no snow about anymore!).