Online Support for People who Look After Someone

A scheme which seeks to reach out and ensure people who provide unpaid care and support to others because of illness, disability, mental ill health or an addiction access the support available to them is being piloted in South Tyneside.

From this week, South Tyneside Council will be working with a company called Mobilise to help identify carers and connect them with others to provide timely, relevant support. This is further evidence that the Council is delivering on its priority of supporting vulnerable groups.

The Mobilise team has personal experience in looking after a friend, family member or neighbour which they believe has helped them create a service which looks at caring in a unique way.

Using social media and digital marketing they will aim to find 2,000 people with caring roles in the Borough but who do not regard themselves as carers.

Working alongside South Tyneside Adult Carers Service (STACS), Mobilise will offer a range of online support, from website guides, regular contact through emails, a guide to caring online course to 'virtual cuppas' and even individual support calls seven days a week.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Independence and Wellbeing, said: "It is a sad fact that many people who provide unpaid care for a relative, friend or neighbour do not see themselves as carers and are missing out on vital help and support..

"Carers are the unsung heroes in our communities but without the right support, they can often feel burnt out. By connecting them to other people who can relate to their situation, we hope to help them to live better, more positive lives."

Suzanne Bourne, Co-founder and Head of Carer Support at Mobilise, added: "There are carers out there who may need advice who are not currently accessing it. Creating a Mobilise carer peer support network in South Tyneside will see an improvement in their wellbeing. Carers are less likely to reach breakdown and require emergency assistance."

The Mobilise service is free for residents of South Tyneside and can be accessed at www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/south-tyneside