Carers portal launched offering around the clock instant online support

A new 24/7 online portal is launched today to provide the city’s valued community of carers a range of instant support, information and advice.

The portal, which is being launched during National Carers Week, can be reached at www.stoke.gov.uk/helpforcarers.

It includes:

• News and events for carers
• Help with carer assessments
• Advice on supporting clients to access financial support
• A community directory of useful local organisations
• Equipment and adaptations
• Information on health from autism and learning disabilities through to mental health support, local facilities
• Housing advice: private rents, councils and social housing
• Out and about: public transport, accessible toilets and changing, sports and activities.
• Money and legal: paying for care and support, benefits, power of attorney.

This is the third portal launched by the council’s Adult Social Care team in the last few months – both the Bettercare Support portal and Professional Portal are also available 24/7 to make accessing services, support and signposting better than ever before.

The aim of all three is to help people lead the most independent lives they possibly can by tapping into the right amount of support, whatever their circumstances.

In addition, a new Finance Portal that will enable people to quickly see if they are likely to be eligible to have support funded, will also be available in the next few weeks.

Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and All-Age Commissioning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our carers are often unsung heroes, of all ages, many unpaid looking after relatives or other loved ones, and deserve all the support we can offer.

“The services available at the click of a button through this new portal are aimed at just that – helping them to access all the advice they need along with a range of organisations who can support them.”