The North East of England is set to see the UK’s largest roll-out of digital support for carers this week, thanks to a collaborative initiative being pioneered in the area. Over a quarter of a million North East residents who care for a relative or loved one will gain free access to a pioneering, tech-powered scheme designed to provide tailored support, community and guidance for those with caring responsibilities.
In the most significant national roll-out of digital support for unpaid carers to date, thirteen local authorities across the North East have partnered with Mobilise – a carer-led and -designed technology platform – to provide enhanced, on-demand services to anyone with caring responsibilities in the region. Mobilise is an empowering online community created by carers, for carers that offers vital advice, tools and invaluable community networks to support people with the day-to-day realities of caring. They currently support over 80,000 dedicated and passionate people across the UK.
The new initiative will provide a complimentary layer of additional, round-the-clock support alongside existing provision for unpaid carers across: South Tyneside, Northumberland, County Durham, Cumberland, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Hartlepool, North Tyneside, Gateshead, and Darlington.
The support can be accessed via an online hub – available at www.mobiliseonline.co.uk – where community members will have access to:
– An online peer community of fellow carers from across the UK – with the chance to share advice and experiences through a community forum and during regular events, such as the ‘virtual cuppa’
– Easy-to-use, self-service tools outlining the different forms of support they may be entitled to (e.g. Carer’s Allowance) and how they can access them
– Tailor-made support guides on everything from how to balance caring with full-time work to managing your personal health and wellbeing while looking after someone else
– Information on carers’ rights and relevant social care law
The Mobilise platform provides a new layer of support for existing carers in the region, who are known to make up more than 10% of the population in the North East; the largest proportion of people supporting relatives or loved ones in any region across the UK. In addition, Mobilise will help identify and connect with people in the area who have caring responsibilities but haven’t previously accessed support. This will ensure everyone who may need support or could benefit from being part of a caring community can access it.
James Townsend, Co-Founder and CEO at Mobilise, comments:
“From my own experience caring for a family member, I know all too well how incredibly isolating and confusing it can at times be. There can be a huge number of unknowns to navigate; from juggling caring with work, to finding time to take care of ourselves. Having the unconditional support of a community of people who are in the same boat, and access to honest, personalised information and advice, is an absolute lifeline. We created Mobilise to help make this possible.
“By providing a welcoming, easily accessible online space where anybody who is caring can find support, get answers to their questions, and truly feel heard, we’re helping local authorities reach more unpaid carers and empower them to thrive. We’re delighted to now be able to offer this support to the hundreds of thousands of people taking care of others across the North East.”
Erik Scollay, Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Health Integration at Middlesbrough Council, comments:
“We are delighted to welcome Mobilise to the North East and are looking forward to working closely with them to roll-out a new, additional layer of support to unpaid carers across the region. Thanks to this new partnership, we will be able to do even more to connect with this vital community and ensure everyone caring for a relative or loved one has access to the tools, information, and support they need, when they need it.”
Michael, caring for his wife in South Tyneside comments:
“Mobilise is an excellent place to go for support from others who are caring as well as practical advice and tips”
Deborah, caring for a parent in Durham comments:
“I am very grateful for the help, advice and support I have discovered by using Mobilise. It is good to feel I am not alone and help is at hand if I need it.”
Suzanne Bourne, Head of Carer Support at Mobilise, adds:
“It’s impossible to calculate a reliable figure on the number of unpaid carers in the UK. Persistent stigma can mean many do not feel comfortable identifying with the label. Meanwhile, a lack of public awareness means some of us do not even realise that the vital care and support we’re giving to a loved one might qualify us as a carer. Thousands of people delivering unpaid care remain hidden from official data, as a result.
“More worryingly, this can stop them from accessing crucial support and advice. 80% of the carers we currently support at Mobilise had not previously sought or received help anywhere else. We’re determined to break the stigma around caring and raise awareness to ensure that everyone managing caring responsibilities feels seen, acknowledged and supported in their vital roles.”