A new and independent body that will strengthen the power and influence of people’s voices in shaping health and social care services across Wales is launching this week.
From 3 April 2023 Llais will replace the work of Wales’s seven Community Health Councils which have supported the interests of people using NHS services for nearly half a century.
Llais will transform the way that service users are heard and valued. Working locally, regionally and nationally across social care and health care together for the first time, it will offer the people of Wales a way to have their say in the planning and delivery of the services that are so important to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Llais’ staff and volunteers will be active in local communities across Wales, listening to people’s views, and using what they hear to help make health and social care better for everyone. Llais will also be there to support people make complaints through a confidential complaints advocacy service
Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services said: “Llais will strengthen people’s voice and representation, giving them a say in, and helping them to shape their health and social care services.
“Llais will help build greater connections between health and social care services, individuals and communities, promoting a truly representative citizen voice for all people, of all ages, wherever they live in Wales.”
One of the body’s main aims is to include more diverse voices in the conversation by working with people and communities whose views and experiences are underrepresented, to make sure that health and social care bodies, policy makers and others respond to experiences from people of all different backgrounds.
Llais will provide a safe and responsive space for people to share their real-life experiences of health and social care online and in-person. This will include visiting service users and engaging with them where they receive services to hear what they think about their health and social care.
Professor Medwin Hughes, Llais’ Chair said: “Through Llais’ activities, we want to build a picture of what works well and where services need to get better, making sure that the views of the people of Wales are represented in important decisions.
“Our aim is to be a truly representative and people-centred body. We believe that everyone in Wales should be able to voice their opinion and share their experiences easily and in a way that influences real change.”
Alyson Thomas, Llais’ Chief Executive said: “This is a really exciting time for everyone involved with Llais as we look to build upon the valuable work of the Community Health Councils in Wales. I am really looking forward to continuing to engage with all members of the community and expanding our work into social care.
“Volunteers have been key to our success and a group which Llais greatly values. Now is a great time to join as we are growing and introducing new volunteering opportunities. I would encourage everyone to come and join us and be a part of real change in shaping the future of health and social care services in Wales.”
