A new organisation is being launched next week to provide a voice for people using Barnet’s health and social care services.

Healthwatch Barnet, which is being launched on Tuesday, will represent the interests of Barnet people on Barnet Borough Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board, the Clinical Commissioning Group Board and other hospital and health and social care committees.

The organisation will also support those with health and social care enquiries and provide information on relevant health and social care services.

Healthwatch Barnet, which began operating at the beginning of April, is one of a number of new organisations set up nationwide to replace the system of Local Involvement Networks (LINks).

Cabinet member for public health Councillor Helena Hart said: “All the organisations in Barnet providing health and social care services for local residents really need to be sure that the services they provide are of the very highest standards of quality and safety.

“That is why it is so important that people have a real opportunity to make their views known and ultimately influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided.

“We want our new Healthwatch not only to build upon and extend the work previously undertaken by the Barnet LINk, but equally importantly to reach out to all those people who may not have had their voices heard in the past.”

Every local authority in the country has commissioned a local Healthwatch as part of recent government health reforms, with Community Barnet being selected to deliver Healthwatch Barnet.

Community Barnet will work in partnership with groups including the Citizens Advice Bureau, Advocacy in Barnet, Age UK Barnet and Barnet Carers Centre and will involve volunteers in all of its activities.

Community chief executive Barnet Julie Pal said: "Healthwatch Barnet’s vision is for a thriving, active community of patients, residents, volunteers and organisations who will come together to contribute to the development of quality health services in the borough.

“Healthwatch Barnet will be the definitive consumer voice of local people using health and social care services.

“To make this happen, we will also recruit volunteers from a range of communities who are passionate about public services delivering to the highest possible standards and will work with us to this effect.”