Digital Inclusion Project
On this page
- Lead organisation
Carers Leeds
- Project contacts
Holly Wilkins holly.wilkins@carersleeds.org.uk
Nikki Pattinson nikki.pattinson@carersleeds.org.uk
Keeping up with the latest changes in technology can feel daunting and at times overwhelming. Our project aims to empower carers to feel confident in this environment.
We understand that each carer is different. Each have different aspirations, skills and resources when it comes to working with technology.
Our Digital Inclusion Project seeks to support carers to feel more confident in using digital support and resources. We will provide personalized support to help carers achieve their digital goals. This can include support in getting equipment, skills and information sessions, as well as ongoing help from our Digital Befrienders.
We work closely with other providers, including 100% Digital Leeds and Digital Health Hubs to ensure carers digital needs are identified and are signposted to the right support as quickly as possible.
- Partners
100% Digital Leeds
- Project duration
January 2024 – March 2026
- Key beneficiaries
All unpaid carers in Leeds
Digital Inclusion Project
Why we started this initiative
Since the pandemic, many services and support offers have moved online. These can be less accessible to those not confident with digital tools.
We want to work with other providers to help identify carers that were at risk of being left behind as well as those who just wanted to improve their understanding and skills.
There are also benefits for providers like Carers Leeds as through better understanding carers digital needs, we can provide support that is more accessible and more timely.
Our goals
- To improve carers confidence in accessing digital support, particularly support that can benefit their health and wellbeing and/or the health and wellbeing of the person they care for.
- To identify and remove barriers that carers face when accessing digital support/online support such as the lack of equipment and connectivity.
- To support our workforce to have better conversations with carers around digital support.
How we’re implementing it
All our work start with a conversation. Carers Leeds staff discuss with carers what digital support they use (if any) and what would they want to use (if any). From this understanding we will work with carers to identify goals and develop a plan to help achieve these goals.
If a carer requires additional support they will be referred to our Digital Inclusion Project, this can include skills workshops, tablet lending and ongoing support/coaching from a digital befriender.
Learnings
Carers will have different interests, motivations and resources when it comes to using digital resources and support.
By starting off with what is important to the carer, e.g. online shopping, hobbies, Facetime with family/friends etc you are more likely to help carers achieve their goals and aspirations.
As carers become more confident in using digital tools, they can be introduced to other resources that can help support their health and wellbeing such as Health Apps Online and attending virtual meetings.
It is important that services continue to offer more traditional methods of support alongside digital support.