Wolverhampton City Council has launched a new digital portal called Bridgit to provide unpaid carers with round-the-clock support and advice.
The platform offers personalised information and coaching on topics ranging from health and wellbeing to finances and practical tips. Carers can access AI coaches for guidance on respite care, work-life balance, and money advice at any time of day or night.
Who counts as an unpaid carer?
Many people do not recognise themselves as carers but may be performing that role. This includes anyone regularly providing unpaid help to a friend or loved one who is experiencing or recovering from illness, living with a disability, mental health need, or frailty.
Additional digital tools available
Wolverhampton City Council is working with the Bridgit Care Platform to provide this support alongside existing digital tools.
Virtual House allows users to explore a 3D model of a home, highlighting useful gadgets and tools that can help people continue living safely and confidently in their own homes. The tool can also offer carers assurance about their loved ones and highlight affordable products that may aid recovery from hospital stays.
The council's Early Support and Enabling Carers to Care Service also offers a digitised self-assessment tool. This gives unpaid carers more choice and control over their own needs in their caring role and how these are assessed. The tool provides tailored advice and signposting and is available around the clock.
Council's commitment to carers
Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet member for Adults, said the digital tools are designed to complement rather than replace existing Adult Social Care provision.
"These digital tools are aimed at ensuring carers can get that help whenever they need it, whatever time of day or night," Leach said.
"It's about ensuring carers have different ways to engage and get the help they need in a way that suits them."