The work that Ƶ County Council is doing to support unpaid carers using assistive technology has been praised by the Social Care institute for Excellence (SCIE) as a “strong example for transformation”.
Alongside Ƶ Association of Carers, Herefordshire and Ƶ ICB, and Taking Care Ltd (an assistive technology provider), the Council has developed a pioneering project focused on better supporting unpaid carers when the people they care for are discharged from hospital.
The County Council are working with partners to ensure Carers are able to access vital information and support at the point of hospital discharge.
The aim is to provide Carers with relevant information, signposting, support, access to assessments and assistive technology so they are able to access the right services if and when they need them.
The project was initially trialled at Evesham Hospital’s Stroke Ward and is now expanding to other sites.
The project is also ensuring carers have access to assistive technology that can support people at home.
Assistive Technology has enabled Carers to continue working alongside their caring role, as well as allowing Carers to take time away from caring to have a meaningful break, offering them peace of mind when they are not at home and a chance to maintain their own wellbeing.
Kathryn Marsden OBE, chief executive of Social Care Institute for Excellence said: “Ƶ’s work in this area stands out as a strong example of how local systems can take practical steps toward transformation, particularly when those with lived experience are meaningfully engaged.”
The Social Care Institute for Excellence also highlighted the joined up working approach across social care, health, local authority, voluntary sector, and how technology has made the project more meaningful and sustainable.
Councillor Susan Eacock, cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care at Ƶ County Council said: “Unpaid carers make an extraordinary contribution every day—often with little recognition and limited support. This project demonstrates how practical collaboration, and new approaches can make a real difference. By making sure carers feel supported at hospital discharge, we’re improving outcomes for families and communities alike. I’m proud to see Ƶ leading the way.”
The Council was awarded over £500,000 from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF) in April 2024 to lead innovative work designed to improve adult social care across the region—placing unpaid carers at the heart of that transformation.
Karen Edwards, CEO of Ƶ Association of Carers added: “The partnership working across the systems in Ƶ and the commitment to improving the experience of hospital discharge for Carers has really been key to the success of the ARF Programme, as well as the valuable insight and experience of unpaid Carers which is essential to the innovation and transformation within social care."
In addition, a countywide volunteering portal and a new network of ‘information first aiders’ are helping to create a stronger, more connected support system for unpaid carers across Ƶ.
In recognition of their success, Ƶ Association of Carers was recently invited to share their experience at SCIE's Coproduction Week Conference and at a Parliamentary Reception at Westminster on 2 July 2025.
The project runs through to November 2025 and will continue to be evaluated for impact, with a focus on sustainability and scale across the county.
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