Today (Thursday, 19 December) we’re launching ‘Bridgit’, an AI-enabled carer support platform to provide a one-stop shop to help carers in Cambridgeshire.
The new platform is being offered by Cambridgeshire County Council in collaboration with Caring Together and alongside Peterborough City Council.
Bridgit has been crafted by carers and care experts, specifically for those who juggle busy and often stressful lives. Its user-friendly interface ensures easy navigation, even for those with limited digital skills.
How will Bridgit help Cambridgeshire’s carers?
- Comprehensive resources: Free wellbeing, employment, finance, and care advice and events.
- Local and national support: Tailored support services and training opportunities.
- Personalised Self-Care Plans: Customisable self-care plans to manage well-being.
- 24/7 Availability: All resources are available at any time of day, no registration required.
Bridgit automatically updates itself and streamlines all the information available to carers into one easy to use portal. It uses AI to create a bespoke experience for each user, meaning they don’t get swamped with irrelevant information.
Bridgit can be used without having to create an account but there is an option for carers to sign up for fortnightly emails and there’s also a carer support coach you can contact via WhatsApp. Carers can create their own self-help plan in seconds and find out how to get personal advice, find local events, support and services. Examples include information on carer assessments, care providers, emergency planning, the end of a caring role, managing work/life/carer balance, receiving carers allowance, cost of living, mental health support and much more.
Councillor Richard Howitt, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Adults and Health Committee said: “Carers play a vital role supporting family members and friends – whether helping occasionally or providing 24/7 care, they’re enabling the people they care for to live healthier, safer and more independently.
“There’s a wealth of information and support available for carers but we’re aware it can still be hard to know where to access it. We’ve configured Bridgit to make sure that carers can easily access the information, advice and support they need – when they need it.”
“As part of our commitment to create a more caring Cambridgeshire we want carers across Cambridgeshire to hear about Bridgit, so they can access targeted support, with no requirement they make themselves known to local services.”
"We will continue to provide support to carers in different ways, understanding that not everyone is able to enjoy digital access. But we also understand that carers live very busy lives and this new tool extends support to them, whenever and wherever they are able to use it."
Bridgit is available to use now. However, if carers prefer not to, or cannot, use an online platform they can call Caring Together on 0345 241 0954 to discuss the free help and support available.
