Person being taught to use a computerHappy New Year everybody! We hope you all had a wonderful and safe Christmas period and have settled into the new year well – who else is shocked that it’s already February?! If you’ve not heard, our digital inclusion project is still in full swing, and we would love to be able to support you on your technology journey. In light of this, we just wanted to share some project updates and tech top tips with you in case you might be interested.

The Good Things Foundation reports that over 13% of the population do not use the internet and 1.62 million people do not have sufficient digital support – these are more likely to be unpaid carers.

With this in mind, lockdown last year meant that technology had been the only way many of us could chat to others – leaving lots of people isolated. We know many things (even beyond lockdown) rely on technology, and there are so many reasons why people might not be able to access technology. So, we wanted to be able to offer a range of digital support to empower you all to feel confident in using technology – cue the digital support project!

Want an introduction to digital technology? Fancy learning to use Zoom? Feeling a bit anxious about online shopping? Want to build your confidence with digital? Not sure how to make your device accessible to suit your needs? We can help!

Here is a summary of what we offer:

  • Help and support in accessing equipment
  • Training and support in using digital technology
  • Training and support using different apps or programmes
  • One-to-one coaching
  • Support in accessing online support groups and events

We also have lots of handy resources over on our website including ‘how to’ guides on various IT topics (such as Zoom, apps, and WhatsApp) and video tutorials for you to check out in your free time.

Over the past year, we are so happy to have been able to support so many of you within the project in various ways (from one-to-one coaching sessions to nature walks that incorporate technology) and can’t wait to see what happens over the next year!

Some positive feedback from a carer:

‘Thankyou SO much for all your help. l successfully sent a photo by e-mail so another big thankyou. You’ve boosted my confidence no end.’

If you are interested in receiving some digital support, please feel free to contact our advice line on 0113 380 4300 or email holly.wilkins@carersleeds.org.uk.

Our Top 5 Apps for Carers

Apps allow us to access different features on our devices. There are loads of apps out there to suit your interests, hobbies, and needs. Here are five apps we recommend at Carers Leeds to support you in your caring role:

  1. Jointly – this app is designed by Carers UK and aims to support carers by making caring easier, less stressful, and more organised. It’s a place to easily store and share info with others in the caring loop. You can keep track of medication, allocate daily tasks, schedule appointments and more!
  2. Blue Badge Parking – this app allows you to easily pinpoint the closest disabled parking spaces anywhere in the world. If you click on the space you want, the app will give you detailed directions to the exact location.
  3. SAM – a self-help app for anxiety management that allows you to understand and manage your anxious thoughts over time and engage in private reflection!
  4. My House of Memories – this app is designed for people living with dementia and their carers. It allows you to browse through different objects/activities/music from across the decades to reminisce about and add to your very own memory tree!
  5. My GP – allows you to book appointments, schedule repeat prescriptions, set medication reminders, and display your vaccination status all in one place. You can register using your NHS log-in and even search for different health services on a health marketplace!

Let us know if you have any questions about trying any of these apps – we’re more than happy to help!

Holly Wilkins 😊

Jointly Carers UK