300 Cheshire West Unpaid Carers to Receive iPads

Cheshire West and Chester's army of unpaid carers to receive new iPads to help them stay connected.

07:21 09 February 2021

300 new iPads will be distributed to Cheshire West and Chester's army of unpaid carers who do not have or have limited access to digital technology. The rollout, which is funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council, will allow unpaid carers to use the online pharmacy prescription services, attend appointments and take part in events and support sessions remotely. 

 

Councillor Val Armstrong, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: “Difficulties in maintaining contact with family and accessing vital health and social care services, which have had to move online, have made the past year especially challenging for carers who don’t have regular, long-term access to IT equipment.

 

“We recognise this problem is especially acute for carers at a time when keeping people connected is more important than ever.

 

“Our unpaid carers have shown phenomenal resilience and dedication during this pandemic. The roll-out of these iPads will offer a lifeline to those who are feeling most isolated and go some way to supporting them to do the amazing work they do every day.”

 

A report from Carer UK in October 2020 found that: “There has been a huge increase in the availability and use of online services and digital technology. 33% of carers started using new technology and digital services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“But there is a growing digital divide with 10% of carers reporting that their ability to use digital technology was limited because they struggled to afford things like equipment, WiFi or data and this rose to 18% for carers who were struggling financially.”