How carers in Hartlepool can get laptops and iPads to keep in touch with their families

Christine Fewster, chief executive of Hartlepool Carers.

Hartlepool Carers is loaning laptops and tablets to people so that they can keep in touch with friends and family.

The Carers Tech Service is available to anyone who is a carer and chief executive Christine Fewster explained why it was so important.

“The longer we are in lockdown, living in isolation, which many carers are, the higher the chance of it impacting on families mental health.

“We also know young carers are struggling to access laptops and iPads to complete their school work and keep in touch with friends.”

Christine added: “We have been lucky to gain funding to support the project, to enable people to remain connected with families, friends, their community.

“We have a selection of devices that can be loaned out, initially for four weeks but will work with our community on an individual basis to lengthen the loan or look for funding to purchase their own.”

Since lockdown started, more than 100 people have registered with Hartlepool Carers. That’s on top of the 12,000 people – 10,000 adults and 2,000 children – who were already registered.

The Carers group has been active in offering all sorts of support for members during the pandemic.

It has launched its ‘Care for a Cuppa’ virtual weekly get-together every Wednesday at 10am, available by visiting the Hartlepool Carers Facebook page.

It has also sent out packs to young carers, filled with items such as outside games, art and crafts, health and wellbeing resources and ‘plant your own sunflower’.

Then came the packs for adult carers which includes art materials, dominoes, draughts and cards.

There is also a support system offering advice over the phone and the Carers has a buddy system.

Now comes the latest service which offers a loan of laptops or tablets. The service has no age limit and is completely free to anyone looking after someone in Hartlepool.

For more information call (01429) 283095.

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