Local NHS Trust inviting people to be part of Members’ Council

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides community, mental health and learning disability services to people in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, is inviting local people to get involved and stand in their upcoming Members’ Council elections.

The Members’ Council represents the views of the Trust’s 16,500 members and ensures that the board of directors, which retains responsibility for the day to day running of the Trust, is accountable to the local community.

The Council is made up of publicly elected members, elected staff representatives and appointed representatives from key local partner organisations.

The Trust is now inviting members to stand for elections in the following constituencies: • Barnsley – 2 seats • Kirklees – 3 seats • Wakefield – 3 seats Trust staff are also being encouraged to stand for election to vacant staff seats.

To support members who are interested in standing for election, the Trust has organised a number of pre-election workshops which will explore the role of the Members’ Council, the support available to members and what people need to do if they would like to stand for election.

The content of each session will be the same so people need only attend the workshop at the date, time and venue that is convenient for them.

• Monday 30 January 2012, 5-7pm The Core, County Way, Barnsley, S70 2JW • Wednesday 1 February 2012, 10am-12noon Folly Hall, Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, HD1 3LT • Thursday 2 February 2012, 3-5pm Dean Clough, Halifax, HX3 5AX • Friday 3 February 2012, 2-4pm Fieldhead, Wakefield, WF1 3SP • Monday 6 February 2012, 2-4pm Beckside Court, Bradford Road, Batley WF17 5PW • Tuesday 7 February 2012, 4-6pm St Mary’s Community Centre, The Circle, Chequerfield, Pontefract WF8 2AY

People can register to attend a workshop using the online form at www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk or by calling 01924 327567

The Trust’s chief executive Steven Michael said, "We are asking people to stand for election so that they can make a difference to the NHS services provided in their communities. The Members’ Council is a vital part of the Trust, it helps us to shape future strategy and plays a key role in issues such as communications, diversity and involvement."

If people would like to join the Trust as a member so they can stand or vote in the upcoming elections call 01924 327567 or email membership@swyt.nhs.uk

To find out more about the Members’ Council or becoming a member, visit the Trust website www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk