Invitation to join CHAIN

Are you a naturally helpful person who has knowledge and/or experience that would be of interest to members of CHAIN, an informal, multi-professional mutual support network in the field of health & Social Care?

CHAIN, (standing for Contacts, Help, Advice & Information Network), originated 20 years ago in the NHS Research & Development programme in England and has since grown into a not-for profit international online community of over 15,800 people who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with each other. The community includes frontline healthcare practitioners from all professions, managers, educators, researchers and knowledge specialists (see the latest analysis of CHAIN membership). It is currently funded by a consortium of stakeholders including the National Institute for Health Research, Macmillan Cancer Support, Health Service Executive, NHS Education England, NHS Leadership Academy and Alzheimer’s Society. Sister networks exist in Canada, Australia, Scandinavia, Italy and Spain forming an international pool of tacit knowledge and mutual support for health care professionals.

Recent developments also include the establishment of facilitated sub-groups focusing which includes Dementia and Improving Patients’ Experience.

Membership is entirely FREE and members of CHAIN get access to the network’s online directory, as well as receiving occasional messages which are targeted specifically to their individual interests.

As an early career researcher, we think there is lots which comes through the #Dementia CHAIN we think would be useful. If you do join, experience tells us that you will almost certainly find the network to be valuable, as you will gain access to over 15,800 people from all professions, specialties and organisations who share your own willingness to be generous with knowledge and experience in pursuit of improving health and social care.

For further Information on CHAIN, (including an external evaluation published in BMJ), and an online joining form, go to www.chain-network.org.uk (Click on ‘Join’ for the membership form).

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact CHAIN on enquiries@chain-network.org.uk.