Supporting Carers Through the Winter Pressures
As the frost begins to settle and the nights draw in, we at Bridgit Care are acutely aware of the additional challenges faced by unpaid family carers during the winter months. It’s a time when the warmth of support is needed just as much as a heated home.
That’s why we’re proud to announce our collaboration with the West Midlands Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) helping carers in the heart of England, and the opportunity for other Councils or ADASS groups to help carers in their regions as well.
Why is Extra Support Imperative This Winter?
The cold weather doesn’t just bring about a drop in temperature; it brings an increase in healthcare concerns, higher living costs, and can lead to feelings of isolation. Unpaid family carers are the unsung heroes who feel this seasonal shift most acutely. Here’s how winter adds an extra layer of challenges for them:
🤒 Health Concerns: Colder climes can exacerbate existing health conditions, meaning carers have to provide even more support.
💷 Increased Costs: The need to keep homes warm leads to soaring utility bills, placing financial pressure on carers.
❄️ Mobility Issues: Frosty paths and icy roads make it a struggle to access services and essentials.
🌧️ Mental Health: Shorter days and inclement weather can lead to loneliness and depression.
🏥 Strained Healthcare System: With a spike in illnesses, the healthcare services are put under significant strain, leading to longer waiting times and delayed treatments.
Bridgit's Winter Support Package
In response to these pressures, Bridgit is introducing a tailored ‘Light Touch’ version of our support service, free of charge to selected Councils for the duration of this winter. Our support package includes:
📱 WhatsApp Coaches: Available around the clock, these coaches offer personalised support in caregiving, wellbeing, employment, finances, taking breaks, and managing care at home.
📚 Self-Help Access & Personalised Email Courses: Our platform provides 25 carer support modules, with emails targeting key support areas.
💳 Virtual Carers Card: This free ID card (delivered with Forward Carers) offers national discounts through our partner, Forward Carers.
🛡️ Emergency ‘What If’ Plan: An online tool to create and share contingency plans with loved ones and professionals.
How We Deliver Our Solution
We take meticulous steps to ensure our support system is perfectly tailored for each region:
🧠 Knowledge Integration: We update our AI with information from local council websites and other key sources.
🔍 Service Discovery: Our AI locates and promotes local services and events automatically, with links to extensive directories for comprehensive support.
🔗 Custom Link & Branding: Each region gets a dedicated link with the option to customise the branding displayed.
📢 Promotion: Customised communication packs, including leaflets and social media content, are provided to each region to ensure the word gets out.
📊 Analytics: Monthly reports offer insights into how carers are engaging with the services and what challenges are most prevalent.
What Do Councils Need to Do?
Getting set up is straightforward:
✅ Initial Setup: Validate the information we provide in a simple Excel sheet — it’s a quick check of local services, knowledge sources, and branding preferences.
📣 Ongoing Promotion: To maximise the platform’s impact, we encourage Councils to promote it via their websites, within the community, through primary care networks, and potentially through paid advertisements.
Want to get involved?
🤝 Join Our Community of Support
Are you part of a council or an ADASS group outside the West Midlands? Bridgit Care extends a warm invitation for you to join us in our mission to support unpaid family carers, especially during the challenging winter months. Collaborate with us to bring personalised, AI-driven care support to your area.
🌟Working together to help Carers
Let’s work together to make a real difference. By integrating Bridgit Care’s solutions, you can provide carers in your region with the tools and support they need to thrive. Embrace the opportunity to enhance wellbeing, alleviate financial strain, and improve access to essential services for those who give so much.
📩 Get in Touch Today
For more information on how to become part of this vital initiative, contact us directly or book a meeting with the team. Let’s build a network of care that spans the nation, ensuring no carer has to face winter alone.
Stay connected, stay supported, with Bridgit Care.
