The carer-led digital community have partnered with Essex County Council to launch the new initiative.
According to the latest statistics, although the number is thought to be a lot higher, around 125,000 people in Essex are classed as an unpaid carer – this provides a backbench for how needed the new scheme is.
The initiative, which is being led by Mobilise – an organisation that was founded in 2019- aims to provide these individuals with free on-demand services to help with the day-to-day realities of caring. Some of the services include financial aids or giving carers to speak to others in the same situation so they feel less alone.
What’s more, for unpaid carers who may feel unsure about how to take on the role, an AI-powered ‘Mobilise Assistant’ is available to help quickly find the specific information or resources needed.
Against this backdrop, Mobilise have set themselves the goal of reaching out to 150,000 unpaid carers in Essex by 2026.
‘An increasing number of us are taking on caring responsibilities, with one million additional carers set to emerge in the UK over the next ten years,’ Suzanne Bourne, co-founder and head of carer support at Mobilise said. ‘The reality of caring will look different for everyone. But our goal is to provide support, community and guidance to ensure no carer ever feels alone.’
‘As a carer myself, I understand the monumental difference the right support can make to the lives of carers and the loved ones they look after,’ she continued.
‘We’re delighted to be connecting carers in Essex to this added support and to each other.’
John Spence, Cllr responsible for health, social care and integration at Essex County Council, added: ‘Helping carers to care is at the heart of our ambitions.
‘Unpaid carers play a significant role, and we are indebted to all they do [and they should] feel supported every day at any time. We are pleased to now be working with Mobilise to provide online support for unpaid carers.’
Photo by Alexander Sinn via UnSplash
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