A new online support service called Carer Friendly Wiltshire has launched for anyone living in Wiltshire who is supporting a friend or family member on a regular basis, regardless of whether or not they are officially recognised as a carer.
With a real-time chat function available 24/7 and the option to book a call with a Carer Coach for support during their caring journey, this new online support service is accessible to carers of all ages, with age-appropriate resources available to carers as young as 10 years old through to adulthood. Carers can access their Carer ID Card, helpful video content, events calendar, free and confidential benefits calculator and join regular virtual support groups. Innovative online resources and tools enable carers to carry out their own online wellbeing check, self-help plan, and contingency plan to ensure all aspects of their caring responsibilities have been considered and support is in place to help carers continue to provide support for as long as they need to, avoiding the worry of burn out.
Wiltshire Council, in collaboration with BSW Integrated Care Board, announced their partnership with Forward Carers CIC to provide this new initiative that will complement existing support services offered by Carers Together Wiltshire and Community First. It provides additional resources for carers that are available throughout the day and night to best suit their needs, particularly those still in employment or education who might struggle to access services delivered within normal working hours.