Jeff Smith recently attended an event in Parliament organised by Carers UK and Smart Energy GB, to learn about the digital tools, resources, and information that exist to support people with their unpaid caring responsibilities.

Thousands of people in Manchester Withington provide unpaid care to family members and friends on a daily basis.

Below, you can find information and links to help people to care safely and well this winter:

• Carers UK’s website includes a large repository of practical support and financial information to support carers. It includes helpful guides, tools and resources about caring.
• Smart meters are a great way of supporting unpaid carers to give the person they care for back some of their independence, whilst also helping them manage their energy bills. Smart Energy GB has more information about the benefits of smart meters for unpaid carers.
• Carers UK’s Helpline service is available Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0808 808 7777 (including bank holidays). Alternatively, carers can contact Carers UK’s Helpline service by emailing mailto:advice@carersuk.org at any time.
• ‘Care for a Cuppa’ sessions help carers to access peer-to-peer support online and to share their experiences with other carers.
• Carers Connect is an online forum which enables Carers UK members to interact with each other and talk about anything related to caring in an understanding environment.
• Jointly is an innovative app developed by Carers UK that is designed to make caring easier, less stressful and more organised by making communication and coordination between those who share the care as easy as a text message.
• ‘Being heard’ – Carers UK’s self-advocacy guide for unpaid carers – is packed with new information on carers’ rights, as well as how to speak up and look after your wellbeing.
• Digital Resource for Carers gives carers free access to a range of essential online resources to help people manage care more effectively.
• ‘Looking after someone’ guide provides an overview of everything carers need to know, from their rights to practical tips and financial support options.

Jeff said:

“Life can be challenging for unpaid carers and it’s clear that not everyone is receiving the support they need. It was important to hear from carers at the event about the challenges they are facing.

“While more needs to be done to support carers, it’s important that we highlight the support that is already available from vital organisations like Carers UK.”