A recent development for unpaid carers across England saw over 1 million individuals benefiting from tech-powered support through a groundbreaking initiative led by the carer-focused digital community, Mobilise
This support, which has seen one in four local authorities in England join Mobilise, is changing how carers receive support and recognition for their vital work.
The growing need for carer support
In the UK, unpaid carers who care for loved ones without financial compensation are the backbone of the healthcare system.
However, many of these carers go unrecognised, often struggling in isolation without knowing where to turn for support.
This issue is particularly profound in regions like Cheshire and Merseyside, where areas such as St Helens, Knowsley, and Halton have some of the country’s highest densities of unpaid carers. More than one in ten residents in these areas provide unpaid care, a statistic highlighting just how crucial it is for carers to access resources that make their demanding roles more manageable.
Mobilise: Empowering carers through technology
Mobilise’s digital platform is designed to fill the gap in support services by providing free, on-demand resources for carers.
The initiative is now available in 38 local authorities across England, with nine councils in Cheshire and Merseyside joining the effort most recently.
This development builds on earlier successes in the North East, where over a quarter of a million carers were assigned the platform earlier this year.
The platform offers a wide range of services designed to address the day-to-day challenges of caring for a loved one, all accessible remotely. Among the most important features are:
- An online peer community allows carers to connect with others in similar situations across the UK. Through regular virtual meet-ups like the ‘virtual cuppa‘, carers can share experiences, gain advice, and combat the isolation often accompanying caregiving.
- Self-service tools provide carers with easy access to information about benefits they may be entitled to, including Carer’s Allowance, and offer guidance on navigating the complex eligibility criteria.
- Tailor-made support guides cover everything from balancing work and care to managing the carer’s health and well-being. This is especially crucial, as many carers neglect their personal needs in favour of looking after others.
- Carers’ rights and social care law: Mobilise provides updated information on carers’ legal rights, ensuring that carers know the latest government guidance on care and support.
- AI-powered assistant: A unique feature of the Mobilise platform is its AI assistant, which helps carers quickly find the specific information or resources they need.
The initiative already has a real, positive impact on carers nationwide.
Sheila Walsh, a carer from St. Helens, shared her experience, saying: “As carers, it can sometimes be difficult for us to know when, or how, to reach out for support.
“It is amazing to see all nine local authorities across Cheshire and Merseyside coming together to harness the power of technology, and widen access to support for unpaid carers.”
For carers like Sheila, knowing that their role is recognised and that help is available when needed can make all the difference.
Local councils are equally enthusiastic about the initiative. Councillor Jill Rhodes, Chair of the Adults and Health Committee at Cheshire East Council, emphasised the importance of providing carers with the tools and support they need, stating: “By joining this initiative, we’re taking a significant step towards recognising and supporting the invaluable contribution of our local carers.”
Similarly, Councillor Del Arnall from Knowsley Council highlighted the positive impact the platform will have on reducing isolation, noting that it helps carers “It’s reassuring to know that my experience as an ‘unofficial’ carer for my husband is valued, and that there is support and advice available from Mobilise if and when I need it.”
The future of carer support
As more councils in England sign up for the initiative, the hope is that digital platforms like Mobilise will continue to expand and evolve, providing ever more tailored support to meet the needs of unpaid carers.
By using technology, this initiative is changing how carers access support and helping to recognise and value their often-overlooked contributions.
For carers in Cheshire, Merseyside, Mobilise is providing a lifeline that promises to help them thrive, not just survive, in their caregiving roles.
