Carers will have the opportunity to connect digitally with their local communities following a successful bid to Essex County Council’s Technology Inclusion programme. We applied for a proportion of the tablets on offer to charities and organisations and were successful on securing 12 Samsung Galaxy tablets for carers in Essex.
The tablets will enable us to support 12 carers to get online to connect with others and access the online virtual support available to them. Our digital reach to carers has increased significantly over the last 6 months, with carers now having access to online activities such as our virtual book club, cooking sessions, yoga, reflexology, dance groups, ‘Caring Confidently’ courses and more. Support is also available for carers who need help to get set up online and begin using their device.
Carers UK report that 8 in 10 people caring for loved ones have felt lonely or socially isolated at some point in their caring role, with those affected facing a potentially damaging impact on their mental and physical wellbeing. The tablets can support carers to reduce social isolation and enhance connectedness, especially among senior carers, supporting them to increase communication and connectivity between friends, family, peers and professionals.
If you are a carer who would like to register your interest in applying for a Samsung Galaxy tablet and or help to get set up online, email hello@carersfirst.org.uk or call us on 0300 303 1555.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.