Digital Resource For Carers Launch

A new digital platform has been created to host a wealth of support, advice and free resources for informal carers in the East Riding who need access to information that is relevant to their situation.

The Carers UK Digital Resource for Carers brings together a number of specially-designed digital products and online resources all in one place to get the best results for carers and help organisations provide comprehensive information and support them in their caring role, including local bespoke information.

The resource is being offered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in partnership with the Carers Advisory Group and the East Riding Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), who will ensure this is promoted through GPs, community services, wider health services and the voluntary and community sector.  

The one-stop-shop website will help carers identify sources of support including technology, as well as promoting carers’ own health and wellbeing, whilst enabling independence.

The Digital Resource is person-centred and is intended to extend the reach to more carers, providing them with the ability to access information and advice in a flexible way that meets their needs.

It is currently being used by 115 local authorities as part of their carers offer and as part of the hospital discharge process.

What does the site offer?

It supports information and advice, prevention and wellbeing duties under the Care Act and enhances the overall offer to carers as part of normal interactions between carers and professionals.

It also provides an opportunity for carers to be regularly updated with information that is relevant to them to support self-care and enables messages to be shared with employers to improve support for working carers.

How can it support carers?

Carers visiting the site can find targeted information more efficiently and can build a network of support via an online forum.

There is also the opportunity to develop personal resilience, manage care more effectively and access the ‘Jointly’ app which helps to support the coordination of care between family members.

What are the benefits for carers?

Having the right information at the right time can make a huge difference for the carer and the person they look after.

Carers and hidden carers are offered expanded online, tailored information and advice with an increased ability for family members to coordinate care, with or without the need for formal social care support.

There is an increased opportunity for carers to stay healthy, build resilience and access peer support whilst promoting the platform to support carers in their workforce.

Elaine Peirce, chair of the Carers Advisory Group, said: “The digital platform is a very welcome addition to the current East Riding Council carer services.

“The resource is user friendly and a comprehensive source of information for existing Carers and their families/friends but also for those just starting on their journey.

“In addition, the practical guidance on managing physical and psychological health will prove invaluable in supporting carers through the difficult times.

Councillor Vanessa Walker, portfolio holder for adults and health at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This is a hugely worthwhile project which entirely fits within East Riding Council’s Your Life, Your Way adult social care change programme.

“Anything we do that empowers carers and those they care for has to be of really positive benefit.

“And if this resource helps carers to feel safer and enables people to be cared for in their own homes as independently as possible and for as long as possible it has to be a great thing.”

Tracey Craggs, director of integrated commissioning & transformation at East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“Carers play a critical role in the lives of thousands of people across the county; it is essential that they are able to access the right help and support.

“We are delighted this new online resource is now available to provide a range of practical help and valuable advice/information to support people in their caring role and make day-to-day life easier.”

For more information about the digital platform visit carersdigital.org and enter the code: DGTL 2601.

For those who are not able to access the information online, please call our East Riding Carers Support Services on (01482) 396500