Digital support scheme piloted for unpaid carers

Surrey County Council have partnered with Mobilise to deliver a new tech-powered initiative that will better equip unpaid carers in the area.

The new programme comes in the form on an online hub that contains information on a range of free on-demand services, aimed at supporting individuals with the day-to-day realities of caring.

Some of the resources available include:

• An online peer community of thousands of fellow carers from across the UK
• Self-service tools outlining the different forms of support unpaid carers may be eligible for, including Carer’s Allowance
• Support guides offering advice on how to balance caring with full-time work/personal home lives
• Information on carer’s rights and relevant social care law, in line with the latest government guidance

What’s more, an AI-powered assistant is also included within the hub to help carer’s struggling to navigate the site.

Susanne Bourne, Co-founder and Head of Carer Support at Mobilise – a carer-led digital community – explained why this resource is really needed for unpaid carers in Surrey.

‘An increasing number of us are taking on care responsibilities, with one million additional carers set to emerge in the UK over the next ten years. The reality of caring will look different for each of these people – including the 90,000 people who are looking after their loved ones in Surrey,’ Susanne said. ‘For some, it will start with needing to check in with family members for frequently, with caring responsibilities increasing over time. For others, it might be a case of having always needed to support relatives with their medication, self-care, and appointments, or even full-time care. But in each and every case, having the right support is vital.’

Susanne added: ‘That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with Surrey County Council to deliver additional support for carers living in the region. Through our community of carers – the largest of its kind – carers in Surrey will gain access to a powerful peer support network, as well as round-the-clock advice, resources, and guidance from experts. We’re delighted to be able to work to connect carers in Surrey to this added support and to each other.’

In addition, Cllr Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: ‘Carers play a crucial role in families and in our local communities by supporting people who would otherwise struggle to cope alone, which is why it’s so important for us to make sure carers themselves are cared for.  

‘We’re pleased to be partnering with Mobilise to reach more carers across Surrey and support them in new and different ways. I’d encourage anyone who looks after a family member or friend to visit the Mobilise online community and explore the additional support available.’

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