Carers accessing Bridgit Care self-help tool in growing numbers

Growing numbers of unpaid carers are setting up self-help plan through our online one-stop shop carers support platform Bridgit.

Since its launch in May 2023, more than 16,000 self-help plans have been created through Bridgit, meaning that around 200 plans are created every week.

There have been nearly 700 carers sign up to email support recorded, enabling the carer to have more bespoke information regularly sent through to them.

Among the key areas of information being accessed from the web-based platform are the carers allowance, providing care, carers assessments, benefits and pain management information.

But cost of living, retirement plans, stress, anxiety, dementia and mental health are also being frequently viewed.

For those preferring to get their information over the phone or in person, Carer Support Dorset has provided advice and support to thousands of carers with over 11,000 choosing to register for ongoing support.

There are an estimated 35,505 unpaid carers across the Dorset Council area, with 6.8% providing up to 50 hours unpaid care a week, according to latest census figures.

Councillor Steve Robinson, Cabinet Portfolio lead for Adult Social Care, said it was encouraging to see an increasing number of unpaid carers using the online tools that are available to support them when they need them, but accepted more needed to be done.

"Unpaid carers are often the lifeblood of the community and it's great to see so many finding Bridgit Care such a useful one stop shop for information and support. Carer Support Dorset continues to be available at the end of a phone for those who want to talk to someone."

"We want to reach out to every unpaid carer to ensure they know the support that is out there through Bridgit and Carer Support Dorset, but also through our advocacy service South West Advocacy Service (SWAN) and Forward Carers, who run our Dorset Carers Card. Counselling is also available from The Leonardo Trust who are working in partnership with Dorset Council," he added.