Leicestershire CareOnLine

Empowering socially isolated adults

Can web-based information make a real difference to the quality of life of Carers, disabled and older people? Results from the Leicestershire CareOnLine Invest to Save Budget (ISB) funded project suggest the answer is a resounding YES.

The Leicestershire CareOnLine project began when Leicestershire County Council saw the need for a programme that would improve the lives of disabled and older people. Consisting of assistance with gaining access to the Internet, training in their own homes, an interactive web portal and support through the learning curve, the project pilot ran from April 2001 until June 2003. The website had to be very easy to use and relevant to those in receipt of care services and their carers. On the basis of the successful pilot it has now been developed further and rolled out across the rest of Leicestershire, Leicester City and Rutland.

CareOnLine has a fully functional website allowing users to find local and relevant information on Social Care, Health, and Housing within 3 clicks, plus many more. It is designed to meet the everyday needs of socially isolated adults and also provides local news and information about local services such as shopping, travel and charity support groups. The CareOnLine website now also has a message forum called The Grapevine where adults can discuss issues that matter to them and find support.

CareOnLine assists in:

• Making information and services truly accessible to everyone
• Reducing isolation and social exclusion
• Empowering people to make their own decisions, communicate more readily with others and maintain their independence in the community

Results from the project pilot show that disabled and older people can benefit from the service provided.

For more details contact the CareOnLine team on tel: 0116 305 7538 or e-mail leicestershirecareonline@leics.gov.uk