Carers Community Network
On this page
- Lead Organisation
n-compass Towards a Brighter Future
- Project contact
-
Tel: 03450 138 208
The Carers Community Network (CCN) is a unique online forum offering carers 24/7 access to peer and professional support alongside information, experience and idea sharing. The platform has grown continuously with more than 2,000 active members across n-compass’ five Carers Services in the Northwest.
Using innovative technology, our award winning (tech4good Awards) CCN offers:
- a virtual 24/7 user-friendly online community allowing carers to receive and offer emotional support through difficult times
- a variety of hashtags used to get tailored support i.e.: by carer group (#parentcarer #Parkinsons), carer location (#Lancashirecarer, #Rochdalecarer) and type of support needed (#carersallowance, #benefits, #respite)
- SMART phone app, stimulating real-time accessibility and engagement, enabling immediate peer discussion and support
- private messaging facility enabling 1:1 support and open chat rooms promoting peer support and new friendships to help combat loneliness
- volunteer and staff moderation, offering a personal welcome message and identifying and resolving queries quickly
- links to online self-help guides and websites, empowering self-support
The Carers Community Network is a testament to n-compass’ dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of the Carers we support. We see heart-warming peer support, fostering a supportive community and enhancing service delivery.
- Project duration
2020 – current
- Key beneficiaries
Adult Carers
Carers Community Network
Why we started this initiative
This initiative was initially developed to improve the digital gap of services for Carers, but during the pandemic, it gained significance. Carers lost their face-to- face peer support networks and ability to take a break from their caring role, directing n-compass to find alternative ways of engaging/supporting Carers.
The CNN gave carers the opportunity to interact online with carers, volunteers and staff, receiving emotional and practical support they needed. Alongside this, we ran daily online activities (coffee and chat, singing club, chair-based exercise sessions), promoted through the network, with direct links to sessions.
Our goals
The CCN goals:
- Ensure that carers receive the support they want, when they need it. The network provides 24/7 access to advice and support from fellow carers, volunteers and staff.
- Combatting loneliness and isolation through open forums, private messaging and access to online activities – creating a supporting community of carers.
- Enhancing service delivery – allowing carers to have more options as to how they receive advice and support, in the comfort of their own home, at a time when they need it most.
How we’re implementing it
- Through co-production with the n-compass Citizen Involvement Board (made up of people with experience of drawing on care and support), registered carers and our staff Innovation Hub, our CCN came into fruition. Using a specialist technology provider, we worked to tailor an accessible and easy to use platform.
- We promote the CCN throughout all five of our Carers Services (in Lancashire, Bury, Staffordshire, Warrington Carers and Rochdale), ensuring that all registered carers are made aware of the network during their assessment, and are supported to register with the network.
- The network is moderated by a dedicated volunteer alongside experienced and knowledgeable staff, ensuring all questions and requests are responded to quickly.
The Carers Community Network has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for n-compass. Our belief in its success lies in several key factors:
- Inclusive involvement of carers and people who draw on care and support – the network is person-centred and has been from the initial concept development. Understanding the needs and wants of people was crucial in creating a network that has proved to be extremely popular, accessible and user-friendly.
- Being open to change – over the last three years, the needs of carers have changed and the network has evolved alongside this. For example, as carers and staff transitioned to more face-to-face work, the network was used to promote these sessions while still maintaining some online options for those who prefer the platform.
- Service-wide promotion and staff commitment – the Carers Community Network is available to all carers registered with one of our five Carers Services. Extensive organisation-wide demonstrations and training were provided to highlight the forum’s benefits in offering 24/7 support to carers. Equipping staff with this knowledge has ensured they can provide comprehensive information during initial assessments, encouraging carer registration.
- Dedicated staff moderators and volunteer – the success of the network would not have happened without the dedication and enthusiasm for this project of key staff moderators and an n-compass volunteer. Together with the carers who actively use the platform, there is always a quick response to address requests for support.
I cannot always make meetings due to my caring role. The network means I can still receive support and know I’m not alone.
Carer
