Carers getting easier access to the support they need

Unpaid carers can now tap into local support faster and easier and request a Carer’s Assessment anytime, anywhere - straight from their smartphone or laptop.

A new service, powered by artificial intelligence, offers unpaid carers an easy way to discuss their caring situation and connect to the support they need. Accessible from a laptop or smartphone and available 24/7, the AI carer’s support service provides a convenient way for carers to discuss their needs and receive personalised advice and support recommendations.

For many of the 6 million unpaid carers in the UK , caring has a significant impact on their physical and mental health. While many local organisations offer targeted advice and support, carers are often unaware of the help available to them.

Carers can use the free service at any time of day or night, to have a quick chat for immediate advice, or take more time to discuss their situation in detail through a Carers Assessment.

Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Services Committee and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said:

“Caring for others is an honourable role, and one that many of us will have to play in our own lifetime. By making carer’s assessments easier to access and local services recommendations more readily available, unpaid carers can connect to the right services to get help before reaching crisis point.” 

The service asks questions to help explore the impact that being in a caring role may be having on someone and identifies appropriate support. Carers can start a conversation and return when it suits them, picking up the conversation where they left off.

Richmond resident and unpaid carer, Andrea, who used the service said: 

“I was pleasantly surprised by the AI's thoughtfulness and sensitivity. It gave me useful information, and I feel confident in the information it gave me."
                   
Find out more about the AI carer’s support service.

The AI Carers Support service is just one way for carers to have a conversation about support. Any carer who prefers to speak to a member of the Adult Social Care team can call 020 8891 7871 or email adultsocialservices@richmond.gov.uk.

The new technology is part of a three-month trial and hosted by Richmond Council partner, Tovie, an AI services developer.

Funding for the project came from the Department of Health and Social Care Accelerating Reform Fund. We are leading the initiative on behalf of the South West London Boroughs.

Information shared with the AI support service is stored securely and reviewed by experienced social workers to ensure any advice or support is fair, consistent and based on the user’s needs. All information is handled in line with data protection law and our privacy policy.