We are currently exploring a new community-based concept designed to help carers and the adults they support overcome everyday digital challenges.
As more services move online, digital technology is becoming increasingly important for accessing healthcare, banking, shopping, appointments, communication and community services. However, many people still face barriers to using technology confidently and independently.
Whilst there are many excellent digital inclusion and carer support initiatives already in place, we believe there is an opportunity to explore a specific area that often receives less attention:
How can carers and the people they support work together to solve practical digital challenges?
Understanding the Challenge
Many carers find themselves supporting someone with:
- Managing passwords and online accounts
- Smartphones and tablets
- Accessing online healthcare services
- Online banking and shopping
- Email and communication tools
- Appointments and reminders
- Accessibility settings
- Digital safety and scam awareness
The reasons someone might need support vary considerably and may include:
- Memory difficulties
- Dementia
- Stroke recovery
- Autism
- ADHD
- Learning disabilities
- Mental health challenges
- Physical disabilities
- Sensory impairments
- Low digital confidence
- Social isolation
Although the underlying causes may differ, the practical challenges often look remarkably similar.
A Different Approach
One of the key ideas behind this project is that many digital problems are not necessarily caused by a lack of skill or willingness to learn.
Often the challenge is complexity.
Technology can sometimes involve:
- Multiple accounts
- Multiple passwords
- Numerous applications
- Complicated processes
- Frequent changes and updates
Our thinking is based on a simple principle:
People do not always need more technology training. Sometimes they need technology that has been simplified, personalised and adapted to their needs.
This shift in thinking moves the focus from teaching technology to creating practical solutions.
Introducing the Digital Care Café Concept
We are currently exploring a model called Digital Support for Carers, which would be delivered through informal community-based sessions known as Digital Care Cafés.
The idea is to create welcoming spaces where carers and the adults they support can come together to:
- Share experiences
- Explore challenges
- Learn from each other
- Discover practical tools and techniques
- Develop personalised solutions
A Digital Care Café might include:
- Tea and coffee
- Cake and refreshments
- Peer support
- Technology demonstrations
- Facilitated discussion
- Practical problem-solving activities
- One-to-one guidance
Rather than focusing on generic digital training, participants would be encouraged to bring real-life situations and explore possible solutions together.
Exploring the Role of AI
One aspect of the project that particularly interests us is the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a problem-solving tool.
We believe AI has significant potential to help carers and caring partnerships explore options, generate ideas and identify possible approaches to challenges they encounter.
Examples might include:
- Simplifying a smartphone
- Improving appointment reminders
- Exploring accessibility options
- Comparing assistive technologies
- Creating easy-to-follow instructions
- Identifying local support services
Importantly, AI is not being viewed as a decision-maker.
Instead, we see it as a tool that can help people:
- Explore possibilities
- Ask better questions
- Compare options
- Save research time
- Build confidence
The emphasis remains firmly on:
- Human judgement
- Critical thinking
- Fact checking
- Personal knowledge of the individual
A Potential Discovery Pilot
We are currently exploring the possibility of a Discovery Pre-Pilot within Birmingham.
The proposed pilot would aim to:
- Understand the digital challenges facing caring partnerships
- Test practical problem-solving approaches
- Explore the use of AI as a support tool
- Measure confidence and independence outcomes
- Identify opportunities for wider community delivery
The concept is designed around caring partnerships — recognising that digital challenges often affect both the carer and the person receiving support.
Looking Ahead
If a pilot demonstrates positive outcomes, there may be an opportunity to develop:
- A repeatable Digital Care Café model
- Resources and toolkits for community organisations
- Facilitator guidance
- Shared learning networks
- Ongoing community-based support
Our longer-term interest is in exploring how practical digital support can contribute to:
- Greater independence
- Reduced isolation
- Increased confidence
- Better access to services
- Improved quality of life
We’d Love Your Feedback
As this concept continues to develop, we would be interested in hearing from:
- Carers
- Community organisations
- Digital inclusion practitioners
- Support groups
- Local community leaders
- People with lived experience of digital challenges
A question we keep returning to is:
What digital challenge causes the most frustration for the people you support?
Because often the solution is not more technology.
Sometimes the solution is making technology simpler, more accessible and easier to use.
If that is a conversation you would like to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.