You are in: Networking and Representation>Eastern Region Infrastructure Network (ERIN)

Eastern Region Infrastructure Network (ERIN)

ERIN is a network of specialist infrastructure organisations and networks operating at a regional or a sub-regional level. It brings together people from a variety of third sector organisations to discuss shared issues, exchange information and best practice, and work jointly on identified projects to maximum effect.

A number of sub-clusters also meet around specific themes such as Health and Social Care, Children Matter East, and Equalities. At these clusters specific issues relating to the particular theme can be discussed, and regional updates provided.
ERIN is funded by Capacity Builders, and meets quarterly. COVER provides the secretariat role, and supports and facilitates the network and several of the sub-clusters.

Health and social care

Health and social care is one of the main fields of activity for voluntary and community organisations.

It is estimated that 54% of all people employed in voluntary and community organisations work in social care - and 22% of volunteers are engaged in health and disability related activities.

A high proportion of voluntary and community organisations engaged in health and care work are relatively small and will never be part of the commissioning and contracting market - yet they play a critical role in addressing health inequalities and improving public health and well-being.

COVER provides the secretariat for the regional Health and Social Care cluster, which meets quarterly. The minutes of the last meeting can be found here. The cluster provides voluntary and community sector representation on a range of partnership boards. A list of representatives can be found here.

Stronger Connections for Better Health

The regional dimension to public policy and strategy in health and care public sector has become increasingly important in recent years. The establishment of regional strategic health authorities, the development of strategic regional public health functions (within government offices), the work of the Care Services Improvement Partnership which has a regional structure and most recently, the creation of Department of Health sponsored deputy director positions in government offices are evidence of this.

So it is particularly welcome that Regional Voices have secured a three-year grant from the Department of Health under their Strategic Partners programme. COVER is one of the regional partners in this project. The project aims to:

• Develop mechanisms that will link third sector organisations in each region with the relevant health structures including the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) and Department of Health (DH).
• Build the capacity and capability of the third sector to engage with the health and social care agenda.
• Act as a critical friend to health decision makers in the region, and nationally, by providing co-ordinated responses to consultations and programmes.
• Develop regional health forums bringing together third sector organisations with an interest in health by facilitating communication and collaboration.
• Further information on the project can be found here.