Sheffield Local Involvement Network

Sheffield LINk has a separate group looking at how to engage children and young people (CYP) and tackle the issues that affect them. LINk members and stakeholders were keen for us to prioritise CYP because their issues are covered by different legislation and they often need a special approach. The group aims to encourage young people to become involved with LINk activities and so strengthen their voice in influencing the services that support them.

You're the Voice - Children's and Young People's Event

Members of the CYP Committee are working with both the Teaching Hospitals and the Sheffield Children's Hospital Governors to improve the transition process for young people with chronic health conditions. Our aim is to ensure that information is provided in a format which, having been discussed with the young people and staff, meets the needs of both groups.

The Health and Community Care Scrutiny Board has asked the CYP Committee to monitor temporary arrangements for the provision of a Tier 4 (intensive often residential support) mental health service to 16 and 17 year olds. These young people are currently receiving in-patient care from the Sheffield Health and Social Care Foundation Trust. This will continue until a specific unit for teenagers is opened in September 2010.

Committee members also continue to represent the LINk on other Boards and groups within the city, including the Children and Young People Scrutiny and Policy Development Board and the Children's Hospital Diversity and Public Involvement Committee.

The CYP Committee currently has two action groups.

Transition Services for those with Neurodisabilities Action Group

We are looking into the provision of services for the transition of young people with neurodisabilities to the adult service. Neurodisability is a term used to cover complex neurological disabilities resulting from damage to the brain or other parts of the nervous system. This issue was raised by members of the public who expressed their concern to us that some young people are no longer having their care provided within Sheffield once they reach the age of 16.

We are currently looking into current service provision and will be talking with parents and carers to get a clear understanding of the situation. When we have all this information we will be able to decide on further appropriate action.

Equipment and Adaptations for Children Action Group

Our other action group is reviewing the provision of equipment and adaptations for children with disabilities. We plan to gather information about the following areas:

• Waiting time for assessment
• How the service adapts to the needs of families as the young people grow older
• Whether there is any kind rapid response service to help children return home as quickly as possible

We will be discussing this with young people and their parents and with Sheffield City Council before agreeing further action.

While these action groups and other work above are our main activities at present, we have also considered the results of reports received from the CYP who participated in the surveys at our 'You're the Voice' event on Fargate in January 2009.

Street entertainers help attract people to the marquee

The main concern of all age groups was bullying and, as there are already two groups in the city working on a strategy to deal with this, it was decided that committee members would join the 0-19+ Anti Bullying Action Group rather than forming an action group of the LINk, which may duplicate what they are already doing. The strategy launch will be in November 2009.

Please let us know if you would like to Have Your Say on this topic.