Launch of the Help to Care app in Kent and Medway

Over the last 12 months, The Design and Learning Centre has been working hard with our NHS partners to support the invaluable work done by carers and care workers through a free mobile app called Help to Care.

Help to Care was officially launched on 11 May 2020 and it provides information, advice and guidance on a range of care topics. It aims to support people to provide great quality care, maintain independence, and stay safe, well and out of hospital.

The app, which has been created by The Kent and Medway Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) is free to download and use and is designed to help people spot the signs of a problem and find the right information and advice if they are worried about someone’s health and wellbeing.

It includes helpful guides, advice and training videos on common health conditions, such as diabetes, urinary tract infections and respiratory conditions. There is also an assessment section which helps you to decide if the person is developing a health problem that needs medical help.

Over 1000 people have already downloaded the product as part of our early engagement work. We’ve heard overwhelmingly that it increases confidence, reassures people they are delivering great care and helps them consider the fundamentals of care they may otherwise have overlooked. At the same time, it has enabled:

• infections to be identified and treated early,
• access to mental health support,
• safer, more effective, personal care,
• improved inhaler technique with less healthcare contacts.

Now more than ever, carers and care workers are being recognised as part of our essential workforce and are under enormous pressure to deliver in challenging circumstances. Whilst the app doesn’t address Coronavirus (Covid-19) directly, we didn’t want to delay launching the app as we feel it can provide much needed support in these difficult times.

Due to the current situation, our promotional activity is digitally centred. Please find attached a digital resource pack to help you spread the word about the Help to Care app. We know this is likely to be increasingly challenging time for you and / or your organisation, any support you can give to help promote the app would be gratefully received.

Further information on the launch of the app can be found here >>

If you have any questions or suggestions please email designandlearningcentre@kent.gov.uk