New digital service to extend online support for carers

04 Dec 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Northumberland is piloting a new service to reach out to unpaid carers across the county.
 
Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting families and friends to live independently within their own homes and communities.
 
Many of them do not see themselves as ‘carers’ and may not realise there is information, advice, guidance and support if and when they need it.
 
This month Northumberland County Council launched a new digital offer for carers which aims to reach carers who are not currently supported or known by the council or local carer support organisations.
 
The service is free and led by carers themselves. It runs alongside services provided by local carer support organisations, offering a range of online support, from website guides, regular contact through emails, a guide to caring e-course, ‘virtual cuppas’ and even individual support calls - seven days a week.
 
The pilot project with Mobilise will use social media and digital marketing to help to find and identify ‘unpaid carers’, connecting them immediately with others in a similar position, and providing relevant, timely support.
 
Northumberland County Councillor Wendy Pattison, Portfolio Holder for Caring for Adults, said: “Many Northumberland residents who provide unpaid care are not accessing the support available to them.
 
“We want to identify more carers and offer additional support, so carers can continue to provide their crucial care and enjoy positive lives.
 
“Mobilise is a great way for people to connect and receive support from others who can relate to their similar and shared experiences.”
 
Lee, 55, a family carer who supports his sister who is a stroke survivor and her son who has psychosis said “Mobilise is unique, real people with real experience are there to help make a real difference in how I support my loved ones who have health challenges. Everyone who cares for a loved one would do well to connect with Mobilise."
 
Suzanne Bourne, Co-founder and Head of Carer Support at Mobilise, said: “There are carers out there who may need advice who are not currently accessing it. Creating a Mobilise carer peer support network in Northumberland will see an improvement in their wellbeing. Carers are less likely to reach breakdown and require emergency assistance.”
 
The Mobilise service is free for residents of Northumberland and can be accessed via: https://support.mobiliseonline.co.uk/Northumberland