Connecting carers in lockdown

Again, the team started their journey with data. Over the past 6 months the value of data in helping to make decisions has become so much clearer. It’s not that we didn’t use data before, but we’re now trying to make sure we put data front and centre when making decisions, to try and be smart with our resources and deliver the best outcomes for carers.

A range of carers were asked about the benefits of connecting to other carers through the lockdown. Though most were interested in connecting to others, only half were willing to try an online method. As with breaks, there was a high proportion not interested in anything “digital”, wanting to connect via phone. This posed a dilemma. With only enough resource to develop one new service at a time, which direction should be taken? It could have gone either way, but it was decided to first develop a virtual cafe offer, as we had the skills and knowledge to do this. It could be up and running more quickly, then allowing time for other innovations such as a telephony offer. It was a question of using limited resources as wisely as possible.

Consequence scanning enabled the team to see that the role of a cafe ‘facilitator’ was vital. We needed to invest in the staff and volunteers delivering this services. Careful thought was also needed about the cafe platform, to make it as accessible as possible.

The pilot cafe’s proved a success with all participants wanting to join again and two thirds saying it had already made them feel more connected to others.

This last point was most powerfully demonstrated in one cafe when a carer shared that he felt unable to find time for himself. Other carers in ‘the room’ offered suggestions and solutions, and though initially he was reticent, the more the conversation wore on, the more he began to consider how he could take their suggestions on board. Positive peer pressure!

Not willing to stand still, whilst continuing to develop this programme the team are now turning their attention to developing telephone options to expand this offer. Even in challenging circumstances there are ways to innovate to connect carers together — we’d love to hear examples of how others are doing this too!

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