LinkLiving Ltd, part of the Link group of social enterprises, has signed the Charter for Involvement to demonstrate its commitment to service user participation and involvement in all aspects of service planning, development and delivery.

The Charter for Involvement was written by the National Involvement Network (NIN), supported by ARC Scotland. NIN is a network of people who receive support from social care organisations throughout Scotland. NIN has been meeting since 2007 and gives people the chance to share ideas and discuss being involved in things that make a real difference to their lives.

The Charter outlines what people supported by social care organisations really want from their service providers and the wider community and how, through partnership, those strategies for change can be made most effective. The Charter will make a difference to people’s lives through sign-up and commitment by social care providers throughout Scotland.

LinkLiving works to make a positive difference to the lives of people affected by social exclusion including homelessness, mental health issues and learning disabilities. At present LinkLiving provides support to just over 800 service users across its many services.

Sarah Smith, director at LinkLiving, said: “As a person-centred organisation we are passionate about involving service users in the life and work of LinkLiving and so we are fully committed to the Charter. We are delighted to sign it and to be working with NIN as this will ensure that our approach to the participation of the people we support is enhanced by up to date best practices and new ideas.”

NIN chairperson Lynnette Linton added: “We are delighted that LinkLiving has signed up to the Charter and become the 16th organisation to do so this year. We believe that the Charter really helps to improve people’s lives, and it also makes organisations better. I hope more organisations will follow LinkLiving’s example and sign up.”

For information about the National Involvement Network, or the Charter for Involvement contact Paddy Carstairs, ARC Scotland Development Worker on 0131 663 4444 or email paddy.carstairs@arcuk.org.uk.