News & Events

Caring for someone can often feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to manage appointments, medication, paperwork, and every day tasks.

The great news is that there are some fantastic, and most importantly, free digital tools that can help organise these kinds of things.

This month, we’re sharing some free apps and online resources that carers across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield may find useful.

Carer Connect

Carer Connect is a free online platform designed to help unpaid carers across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield access information, support, activities and local services all in one place.

Using Carer Connect, you can:

– Find local support services

– Discover events and activities for carers

– Access helpful advice and resources

– Connect with opportunities in your community

– Stay up to date with support available in your area

Whether you’re new to caring or have been supporting someone for years, Carer Connect makes it easier to find the help and information you need, when you need it.

🔗 Visit: https://sheffield.carerconnect.org.uk

Jointly App

If you’re sharing your caring responsibilities with other members of family or are simply looking for a system to keep track of everything, the Jointly App is great.

Jointly allows you to:

– Share updates with family members

– Keep important information in one place

– Organise appointments and medication

– Create task lists

– Store emergency contacts

The app is compatible with both Android and Apple devices and is free to download and use.

🔗 Learn more: https://jointlyapp.com

NHS App

The NHS App is another free app that can save you valuable time and help to manage healthcare more efficiently.

If you currently help manage someone’s medical care, or have permission to support with things like appointment and prescription, this app is your go to tool.

Using the app, you can:

– Order repeat prescriptions

– Book and view appointments

– Access health information

– Check test results

– Contact healthcare providers

Some GP surgeries also offer the option for carers or family members to have full access to a person’s GP record through the NHS App, with the appropriate consent and permissions in place.

This can make it easier to support with appointments, prescriptions, and ongoing healthcare needs.

If you think this could help, it’s worth speaking to your GP surgery directly for more information about setting this up and what level of access may be available.

Again, the NHS App is available for download on Android and Apple devices.

🔗 Download here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

What3Words

What3Words is a free app designed to help people share precise locations quickly and efficiently.

Essentially, the app has divided the world into tiny three metre squares, with each square given a unique combination of three words. For example: ///apple.dog.house

Instead of trying to describe where you are, you can share the three-word address.

This can be especially useful for carers supporting someone who:

– Lives with dementia or memory difficulties

– Is at risk of becoming lost or disorientated

– Enjoys walking independently

– Lives in a rural area

– May need emergency assistance quickly

If someone you care for becomes confused while out and about, they can use the app to share their exact location with family, carers or emergency services.

You can also save important locations in the app, such as home addresses, favourite walking routes, or the addresses of relatives.

The great news is that emergency services across the UK, including many ambulance, police and fire services, now use What3Words to help locate people more quickly.

🔗 Download here: https://what3words.com

Alzheimer’s Society Talking Point Forum

Being a carer can sometimes feel lonely and isolating, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

The Talking Point Forum is a free online community where carers can:

– Share experiences

– Ask questions

– Get advice

– Connect with people who understand

It’s available 24/7 and can be a valuable source of emotional support.

🔗 Visit: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk

Too Good To Go

The current cost of living can put extra pressure on anyone – and especially carers.

Too Good To Go is a free app that helps you save money on food, while also reducing food waste.

The app lets local cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and shops to sell food at heavily discounted prices at the end of the day.

Using the app, you can:

– Find low-cost food nearby

– Save money on groceries and meals

– Reduce food waste

– Pick up “surprise bags” from local businesses

Many businesses in Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire community are very good at using this app, making it a great tool for carers looking to stretch their budget a little further.

The app is free to download on Android and Apple devices.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.toogoodtogo.com

MindMate

MindMate is a free wellbeing and memory support app that is designed to help people stay organised, active and to keep them mentally engaged.

This app is a very useful tool for cares that are supporting someone living with dementia, memory difficulties, or those wanting help with daily routines.

This app includes:

– Medication and appointment reminders

– Daily routine planning

– Memory games and brain exercises

– Health and wellbeing tips

– Exercise and activity suggestions

The app is available on Apple devices and desktop/PC and is free to use.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.mindmate-app.com

Sheffield Directory

The Sheffield Directory is packed with information about local support services, activities, groups, and advice available across the city.

You can search for:

– Carer support groups

– Community activities

– Health services

– Benefits and advice

– Dementia support

🔗 Explore local services: https://www.sheffielddirectory.org.uk

Remember – Technology Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Digital tools are there to support you, not create extra pressure. Even using one small app or reminder tool can help make every day caring feel a little more manageable.

If you would like support getting online or using digital tools, please get in touch with our team – we’re here to help.