Online carers advice, guidance and information self-help platform Bridgit Care is said to be helping more than 3,000 carers across Dorset since it was launched in May.
The accessible one-stop shop platform, which connects carers to key services to support and inform them about local community events, has proved popular for people looking for information about carers’ allowances, benefits, assessments, discounts, training opportunities, stress and anxiety.
People are also able to build their own self-help plan and the system is available any time of day without registering first.
Unpaid carer Fiona King took part in the original training offer by Bridgit Care during Carers Week in the summer. She has found the platform easy to understand and use and has now filled in a carer’s assessment.
“It is very intuitive, and it comes up with some excellent solution suggestions," said Ms King. "You can personalise it and make lists according to your needs. I’ve been using it to get advice on how to find time for myself and have found it really useful. It’s great to be able to log on at anytime 24/7 rather than having to wait to speak to someone.”
Councillor Jane Somper, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Housing and Health, said the service was freeing up carers' time by making it easier for them to access support and advice, at the time they want, offering more choice and flexibility.
Darren Crombie, founder of Bridgit Care, said those using the online platform were receiving self-help through its signposting, advice and events information and could also receive reassurance support from Carer Support Dorset over the phone or in person at events.
“At Bridgit Care our mission is to support the unpaid family carer community across Dorset," said Mr crombie.
"Bridgit Care is more than a digital platform; it’s a vital support network for Dorset’s carers. We’re committed to empowering carers with essential tools and information, simplifying their roles with accessible resources.
“The positive response to Bridgit from our collaboration with Dorset Council underscores the significant need for such support. We’re proud to be pioneers in this area, continuously adapting Bridgit to the evolving needs of our carer community and the local support teams.”
It is increasingly being used across the Dorset health and social care landscape. Lizzie Eden, Dorset Healthcare Carers Engagement facilitator, said Bridgit was supporting Dorset’s unpaid carers identify themselves:
“Often carers don’t label themselves as such, and therefore do not search for possible support. Dorset GP practices are working with Bridgit Care to help find those people, who are caring for others – improving support for them in their own right, to start to look at their own health needs and prioritise what they need and what they are entitled to.”
Bridgit is available to use online now and people who prefer not to, or cannot go online, can call Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349 to discover the free support and help available.