The deadline has been extended for people who want to be a local voice on health matters in their community.

NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is looking for people with a keen interest in health care and health care services who want to give patients and the public a voice in the area where they live.

The deadline for applications has been extended until 5pm on Wednesday, June 11.

NHS Cumbria CCG has decided to extend the deadline by a few more days to make sure as many people as possible from across the county get an opportunity to apply for the volunteer role of Lay Representative.

NHS Cumbria CCG has six localities in Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland, Eden, Furness and South Lakeland.

The CCG is currently looking for volunteers to become Lay Representatives in each of the localities and they must live in the area they represent.

The Lay Representatives would be expected to fully participate in the local executive monthly meetings, be prepared to voice opinions and contribute to discussions constructively as well as respecting confidentiality when necessary.

They would act as a critical friend on health matters, deliver conflicting ideas and provide feedback from patients and members of the public from within their local community.

All volunteer Lay Representatives would be provided with support, training and reasonable expenses from NHS Cumbria CCG with the time commitment expected to be attendance at meetings once a month and at their local Healthwatch Hub at least once a quarter, plus time to read and digest papers prior to the meetings.

NHS Cumbria CCGs Network Director for North Cumbria, Caroline Rea, said: “As an organisation we are really keen to recruit Lay Representatives for each of our six localities. It is very important that we give patients and the public a local independent voice, so we can hear if they have a good idea about how a local health service could be improved or if they have any concerns about health care and services they have experienced.

"They would become a very valuable representative in their local community and give the CCG a chance for regular two way communication with local people.”

For more information about the role and an application form, please contact NHS Cumbria CCG’s Communication and Engagement Team on 01900 324 244 or email engagement@cumbriaccg.nhs.uk.

For more information about NHS Cumbria CCG, check out the website at www.cumbriaccg.nhs.uk