Walsall Council has begun to use a digital app to support unpaid family carers.
As part of its partnership with the West Midlands Association of Directors of Adult Social Servicess (ADASS), it has deployed the Bridgit Care app from the social enterprise of the same name.
The app is said to use AI to provide real time, pseronalised assistance to carers. This includes 24-hour access to services including WhatsApp coaches for emotional and practice support, financial help through national discounts and offers, and a function for carers to create a self-help plan.
The council said the move is aimed at improving the quality of life for the nearly 30,000 unpaid carers in its local community.
Its portfolio holder for adult social care, Cllr Keir Pedley, said: “This partnership with West Midlands ADASS and the introduction of Bridgit Care App reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of carers who dedicate their time to care for our community.
Innovative and impactful
“We recognize the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers, and we are dedicated to supporting them, especially during these challenging winter months. Bridgit Care is an innovative and impactful solution that provides real time support to reduce healthcare strain, and ultimately strengthen our community. “
Last year Dorset Council indicated it is also using the Bridgit Care app with links to local services.
