Cheshire and Merseyside join Mobilise online support hub for carers
Total of 38 local authorities and 1m carers now receive digital support including tools, guides and a community of peers, provided by online hub
Nine local authorities across Cheshire and Merseyside have joined Mobilise, a fast-growing initiative to support carers across England through essential services delivered for free online. That support is needed: some of the UK’s highest density areas of unpaid carers are to be found in Cheshire and Merseyside, with as many as one-in-10 residents in St Helens, Knowsley and Halton providing some form of unpaid care.
Photo by Paul Hanaoka
The highest density of unpaid carers is the UK is found in the north-east. Earlier this year, 13 local authorities across the north-east also joined the Mobilise online community, which now provides support to more than quarter of a million carers across the region.
The advantage of Mobilise is that it has been built by carers for carers and aims to support individuals with the day-to-day realities of caring. Its features include an online peer community of thousands of fellow carers across the UK, where people can share their experiences and advice in the online forum, as well attend regular events such as the ‘virtual cuppa’.
A range of easy-to-use, self-service tools outline the different forms of support to which carers may be entitled, such as carer’s allowance, with guidance on how to access these benefits and the eligibility criteria involved. The app also provides guides on such matters as how to balance caring commitments with work, and managing your own health and well-being while caring for someone else.
There is information on carers’ rights and relevant social care law, provided in line with the latest government guidance. In all, there is a wealth of information and support, which the app’s AI-powered virtual ‘assistant’ can help carers to find quickly and easily.
Sheila Walsh, a carer based in St. Helen’s, says: ‘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.’
Cllr Jill Rhodes, Chair of Adults and Health Committee at Cheshire East Council, adds: ‘By joining this initiative, we’re taking a significant step towards recognising and supporting the invaluable contribution of our local carers. The Mobilise digital tool will empower unpaid carers to access the help they need, when they need it.’
Cllr Del Arnall, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Knowsley Council, says: ‘We know the positive impact informal carers have on the lives of the friends or family they look after. That is why we’re committed to ensuring they have access to the latest technology to support them. Through joining this initiative, carers in Knowsley can use Mobilise to easily access a range of support services on-demand and link in with their peers across the UK to share advice and reduce isolation.’
Suzanne Bourne, Co-Founder and Head of Carer Support at Mobilise, adds: ‘As carers, it can sometimes be difficult for us to know when, or how, to reach out for support. Many of us don’t even realise that we are ‘caring’ by looking after our loved ones, or that there is support out there that can help us protect our own wellbeing as we navigate the responsibilities that come with caregiving. I’m thrilled that Mobilise is partnering with so many local authorities to help provide this vital support and community for more unpaid carers.
‘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. With Cheshire and Merseyside onboard, a quarter of all local authorities across England are now providing additional, digital support for carers. We can’t wait to see the impact for all those who provide care across Cheshire and Merseyside, and beyond.’
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