A dedicated app for the adult social care workforce in England has been launched to support staff during the coronavirus pandemic.
Developed with NHSX and NHS Business Services Authority, the Care Workforce app will be introduced under the new CARE brand and will act as a single digital hub for social care workers to access relevant updates, guidance, support and discounts from their phone.
The technology can be downloaded on Apple and Android supported smartphones or accessed by browsers on any device.
The tool will be the first of its kind provided for the care workforce and will:
- Act as a single one-stop-shop providing the sector with all the latest guidance, wellbeing support and advice they need to protect themselves from Covid-19 and keep themselves well
- Provide access to learning resources on crucial areas such as infection control as well as practical advice and support for mental wellbeing
- Show how care workers can take advantage of offers available to NHS and social care staff, including free car parking and discounts through organisations and initiatives like discounts for carers and the Blue Light Card; and
- Signpost free access to apps like Silvercloud, Daylight and Sleepio which can help boost users’ mental wellbeing through programmes covering sleep, stress and resilience
New mental wellbeing guidance will soon be published to further support the care sector with bespoke advice for care workers. This guidance will be signposted on the Care Workforce app when available.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “Our incredible social care workforce are on the frontline day and night providing quality care to the most vulnerable in our society during the most unprecedented time in our history. The whole country is incredibly grateful of the work they continue to do for our loved ones.
“As part of our continued work to back the care sector, we have launched a new app specifically for care workers to make sure they have the most up-to-date guidance to keep them safe, connected with their colleagues across the country which also allows them to access discounts like their NHS counterparts.”
“It’s available to download right now, and I would urge everyone in social care to do so.”
Usage of NHSmail has also surged during the coronavirus pandemic. Figures from NHS Digital revealed the number of care providers using NHSmail has more than doubled in the last six weeks.
Sleepio and Daylight were among mental health apps made freely available in April for NHS staff to support their health and wellbeing.