Hull City Council and its adult social care provider City Healthcare Partnership (CHCP) have commissioned a new digital service to support unpaid carers around the city.
They are running a pilot project with Mobilise – a support company for adult social care – on using social media and digital marketing to identify the carers, connect them with others in a similar position and provide relevant support.
The council said this is aimed at addressing an issue in which many people do not see themselves as carers because they are supporting a family member or friend.
The Mobilise service, which is free to residents of the city, will add to the existing support from the Carers Information and Support Service Hull, providing a range of online support including website guides, regular contact through emails, an e-course on caring and ‘virtual cuppas’.
Identify and support
Councillor Gwen Lunn, portfolio member for adult services and public health at Hull City Council, said: “We want to identify more carers and provide additional support, particularly during the difficult winter months, 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.”
Suzanne Bourne, co-founder and head of carer support at Mobilise, stated: “There are carers out there who may need advice who are not currently accessing it. Creating a Mobilise carer peer support network in Hull will see an improvement in their wellbeing. Carers are less likely to reach breakdown and require emergency assistance.”
