AI technology helps Wandsworth’s army of unpaid carers 

Unpaid carers often delay or are hesitant in seeking help. Now, in a three-month pilot scheme, Wandsworth will trial a new digital tool to help them find support. Carers will still have the option of getting advice directly from a human if they wish.

The 24/7 online voice and text service will offer:

• Access to support any time of day or night
• Simple, user-friendly conversations or full Carers Assessments to explore carers’ needs.
• Tailored recommendations for local resources and support

The new service was developed with the input of local carers via the Wandsworth Carers’ Centre. During a three-month pilot period, people with caring responsibilities are invited to use the system to find out about local support, information and advice.

Across Wandsworth, around 18,000 people provide unpaid care for their partner, family, friend or a neighbour. The aim is to identify more unpaid carers, more quickly, assess their needs and connect them with the right services as soon as possible. The pilot period will assess whether the scheme is successful before any decision is made on whether to make it permanent.

The system will also free up staff time to deal with more complex cases. It’s part of wider work by Wandsworth to explore how the power of AI can enhance frontline services while keeping people at the centre.

Unpaid carer and Wandsworth resident Bridget Conigliaro said: "As a full -time carer I have to use the computer a lot as I cannot be absent too often. It is therefore useful to be able to access things online. I think this service can serve a very good purpose for people who need to access information about various aspects of caring."

Cabinet Member for Health Graeme Henderson said: “This new service means carers can quickly have their needs assessed and find out what help is available. They don’t have to worry about making appointments with a member of staff – although they can of course still talk to a human if they prefer – and can get in touch any time of the day or night.”

Joshua Kaiser, CEO of Tovie AI, said: "This pilot is about giving carers easier routes to help while supporting council teams to work more efficiently. It builds on our earlier collaborations with Wandsworth and continues the shared effort to explore where AI can make services more responsive and human-centred."

If you are an unpaid carer, find out more about the new AI support service.