Category Archives: Digital Technology

How can digital technology help a person living with multiple sclerosis?

Posted on 17/05/2016 by | 2 comments

Such a simple, obvious and wise statement – it would be so exciting if every individual offered a personal health or care budget was able to access a digital care navigator. Sadly the social sector (including health, care and charities) have not yet managed to bridge the gap between the rhetoric of digital transformation and the everyday experiences and reality for citizens..

I was recently asked for advice about how digital technology could help  a person with late onset multiple sclerosis deteriorating rapidly. She loved crafts, needlework painting etc but is losing use of her hands.  She has a laptop but using the mouse is getting tricky.

It emphasised for me how important it is for people to be aware of, and able to access, online resources to support independent living and #ageingbetter so I thought it would be helpful to share resources.

It is definitely worth contacting AbilityNet a small and impressive UK charity helping disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their technology. They provide a range of factsheets and advice and information services.

@AbilityNet run the inspiring @Tech4GoodAwards which celebrate the people and technology making the world a better place. 2016 finalists will be announced on the 8th June!

AbilityNet have been shortlisted as Digital Charity of the Year 2016 by Digital Leaders 100. The winners will be chosen by a public vote and you can vote for them now on the Digital Leaders website and help spread the message about the amazing way that technology can transform the lives of disabled and older people.

[Declaration of interest: I have a real fondness for small charities with a big vision who know how to be creative and deliver results with limited funds!]

A helpful post on using a computer if you have tremors

UCanDoIT is a charity that teaches IT skills to people with disabilities on a one to one basis in their own homes. @ucdit

Another site with useful information about technology and disability

(and I am sure there are many more to be added!)

Tips and tricks for folks with Multiple Sclerosis (Microsoft 365)

From gaming system to medical breakthrough: How Microsoft and Novartis created Assess MS

Touchscreens such as iPads are tactile, versatile and very simple to use and the apps make it easy to play accessible games, which help memory, agility and interaction. iPads can be used for all manner of activities such as games, apps, accessing websites and playing music and video.

However before buying any apps it is always worth reading the reviews, checking compatibility requirements with laptop/tablet being used  and whether the app is really free or being offered as a subscription model!

Some fun interactive apps

Pigment (free to download but with a Premium Access paid subscription) allows you to colour as you would on paper with actual colored pencils. Choose from 350+ hand curated, professionally drawn illustrations, 8 different kinds of pencils, markers and brushes, and an unlimited number of colors to choose from. Completed artwork can be friends and family.

Painterly £1.49) allows you to create beautiful evocative pictures even if you do not have advanced drawing skills or formal art training Allows for painting with more than 60 virtual brushes, as well as importing photos and then painting them

List of googled needlework apps for iPad (not my specialist area does anyone have any recommendations?)

Games

Imutt (free but charity will invite a donation) This game from the Dogs Trust allows users to look after an impossibly cute virtual rescue dog for five days. Perfect and no need to walk in bad weather!

FlowerGarden (free with further in-app purchases) allows you to pick virtual seeds, plant them, water them and watch them grow. This is especially significant for participants who used to enjoy growing plants and are missing their former gardens.

An honourable mention for the informative @AXSChat which runs the informative weekly #AXSchat discussing accessibility & inclusion in business on the web & beyond.

I have reached out to the Multiple Sclerosis charities for advice and will update this post  when I receive responses.

I met Paul Smyth Head of IT Accessibility at Barclays Bank recently and was very impressed by his thoughtful and measured approach to accessibility and inclusive technology. I recommend listening to his interview.

It is so obvious really that digital technology can make all the difference to the quality of life for people living with disabilities and why I believe it is so important to make #connectedcare a reality.

Obviously this post is only a snapshot of available resources (I am not a assitive technology specialist but I work with companies excited to use technology to improve their services).

And I am always very aware that what digital technology offers are endless possibilities to make person-focused care a reality. 

I welcome your thoughts about resources you have found helpful. please add to the comments section below or share with me via Twitter @shirleyayres

 

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Posted in Care in the Digital Age, Digital Technology, Uncategorized

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How social media can support #ConnectedCare

Posted on 09/05/2016 by | 1 comment

In these challenging times I believe we have a responsibility to show how the digital revolution which is impacting on all of our lives can bring people together to build and support more connected communities.

Care and support in the 21st century requires much more connected thinking across social services, health, housing, education, employment and the wider social sector. Technology and social media can facilitate this process. I am often puzzled when I see different sectors running events with similar themes on the same day and not making the connections which could avoid duplicating resources or reinventing wheels. It can so often seem that sectors are just talking to themselves rather than reaching out and creating new networks and collaborations.

Admittedly we have been slow creating a mindshift away from technology as a means to an end and thinking about how digital technology can help address the wicked challenges of our age. How does technology have a role in addressing social isolation, loneliness, supporting people living with dementia and their carers, developing the skills and talent of young people and creating communities we all want to live in? Is the missing link the absence of digital leadership in the social sector?

To promote new ways of thinking I have used and continue to use social media to highlight resources which I believe could benefit from a wider audience than the “usual suspects” In this spirit and because there are so many events taking place I am sharing my selection of  interesting and innovative events which you can follow on Twitter. The obvious (to me anyway) connection between all of these events is that we all live in communities which include children, young people, families, people living alone and carers. We all have something to share and we can learn from each other. 

Today MOMO are hosting  a national conference exploring digital social work challenges and good practice. @MindOfMyOwnApp have developed an app that gives children and young people the confidence & ability to express their needs. It is so important that looked after children have a voice and I am impressed by the impact of this app. Follow via

 

The inestimable @johnpopham is live streaming this event.

http://www.mindofmyown.org.uk

This week is #dyingmattersweek. Every year @DyingMatters host an Awareness Week, which gives us an unparalleled opportunity to place the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement firmly on the national agenda. This year the theme is ‘The Big Conversation’ and you can share your thoughts via #BigConversation.

 http://www.dyingmatters.org

Neighbourhoods of the Future is being held on the 11th and 12th May.  This event will take a fresh look at age friendly homes and communities as a means of tackling the challenges of ageing better. Topics being explored include the emerging possibilities of smart homes and age friendly cities. With hundreds of organisations now involved in the #AgeingBetter industry it will be fascinating to see how many will be sharing their thoughts via #agileageingroadshow http://www.lansons.com/looking-forward-growing-older

The Festival of Behaviour Change starts today in Bangor 9th – 20th May 2016. Behaviour Change Science is a combination of psychology, social sciences, design thinking and practical application that could revolutionise the design and delivery of public services. It can help individuals to make better decisions by altering the way in which choices are presented to them. This is an important exploration because there are rightly ethical concerns about who determines what is the “right” behaviour.  I am particularly interested in the sessions on Behaviour Change and Service Delivery Models; Behaviour Change in Health and the Future of Health Care and The use of Technology in the Pursuit of Behaviour Change. Follow the discussions via . I understand some of the sessions will be live streamed via Periscope.

http://www.goodpractice.wales/bangor

Advance notice of Dementia Awareness Week taking place from the 15th – 21st May 2016. This is an important opportunity to increase understanding of dementia and find out what support is available for people living with dementia and their carers. There are a wide range of special events taking place across the country.

Follow #DAW2016 to contribute to the debates and share your thoughts about what works and what needs to change.

If there are other events which I think are interesting, informative and innovative I will add them to the list during the week!

On Being Social To help make your event more social I am sharing some top tips produced by @PaulBromford and I. (We are planning to update this in 2016!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Adult Social Care, Being Social, Care in the Digital Age, Children and Young People, Connected Care Network, Digital Technology, Social Media and Social Care, Social Work

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What health and wellbeing apps do you use and would you recommend? #PdDigital15

Posted on 18/05/2015 by | 4 comments

Last week I attended People Driven Digital Health and Care in Leeds. It was a fascinating and fun event. I was honoured to be invited to provide some thoughts at the launch about the challenges and opportunities in the digital space alongside Tim Kelsey and Anne Cooper.

An excellent question was posed by Mike Clark  at the start of the event and here are some responses and it raises interesting questions about what each of us considers to be a health and wellbeing app!

My recommendations: Twitter (rich source of real time information about the latest digital health and care innovations) , jawbone (motivational and competitive element makes it fun)  and  (very good for pelvic floor muscle exercises!).

I would also highly recommend Patient Opinion because of the richness of experiences being shared and the opportunities for health and care organisations to respond publicly as to how they are addressing concerns, complaints and praise.

Paul Taylor and the Bromford Lab have been experimenting with a cheap Cardboard Virtual Reality kit and I did get very excited about the one he brought (as did Chris Bolton and Paul Webster)!

A further question asked by Mike Clark – would anyone like to hazard a guess at what the number might be?

Further thoughts from Mike as we see how often Twitter is being cited as a wellbeing app.

Thanks to everyone who contributed their favourite health and wellbeing apps . I am very aware there are thousands of digital innovations available and I would love you to share your favourites either here or via Twitter @shirleyayres!

You can read more about the event through the following rather excellent posts

People driven digital health: solving problems people actually have 

Putting People First

Reflections on #PdDigital15 

Conversation & collaboration at #PdDigital15 

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Posted in Care in the Digital Age, Digital Technology, People Driven Digital Health and Care

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Digital Innovation and #AgeingBetter

Posted on 05/05/2015 by | 2 comments

Presentation with thanks to Paul Taylor

I was delighted to be invited by Zoe Pedden creator of the innovative MyChoicePad to share thoughts about Technology in Social Care: Innovation in Adversity at the Wayra UnLtd and Insane Logic Digital Mouthpiece. The event was live streamed and there was a lively discussion on the #innovatecare hashtag.

There are too few opportunities for robust debate about the need for a long term revolution which challenges the traditional institutional models of care. I believe we have to disrupt the current care market because it is just not fit for purpose.

The report today about patients living with dementia being restrained by security guards in hospitals does not give me confidence about the dignified and respectful care we provide for our most vulnerable members of society.

My Long Term Care Revolution paper for Innovate UK highlighted the reality that living longer does not feel like a celebration when care options in later life do not reflect our aspirations and experience of living in a digitally connected world.

In 2013 Nominet Trust published my Provocation Paper exploring the question “Can online innovations can enhance social care?” The simple answer is yes but digital technology on it’s own is not the solution. Technology cannot fix broken systems and digital cannot be just a bolt  on or optional extra  – digital transformation has to be at the heart of every organisation.

Technology and tools help us navigate an increasingly complex world but they will never replace human creativity, empathy and intuition.  We have to understand both the potential and the limitations of what digital technology can offer.

We certainly need better ways to collaborate, signpost, and share knowledge. Connected Care is important to make sense of a complex and fragmented landscape. Innovation in adversity  has to involve care, health, housing, entrepreneurs, the technology industry, innovation funders, the wider social sector, citizens and whole communities.

We seem to have a deficit of imagination about how to build and support the strengths and assets within communities. How can we use technology to support citizens to live more fulfilling lives connected with the people, ideas and activities which are so important to each of us?

In 2013 I asked the question Digital Technology and care – how do we promote more connected thinking?

There is so much potential for digital technology to enable people to make new connections, contribute to person-centred support, develop community networks and new models of care so an obvious question is what is stopping more widespread adoption?f

There is no shortage of innovations in digital technology and millions of pounds are being spent supporting further developments. It is less clear about the application, impact and usage of these innovations. One problem is the limited awareness in the sector and amongst the public about what is available and it’s value. I believe that a big deficit is the lack of a strategic approach to embedding digital technology in the range of options to support people to live more fulfilling lives.

My proposals:

  1. Convene a roundtable for all the funders of digital technology to explore collaboration, sharing practice and a common approach to evaluating and promoting the outcomes and impacts of their investment.
  2. Provide signposts which enable care recipients, their families and carers to find out what technology products and services are available, both through statutory services or to purchase independently.
  3. Create, promote and participate in events that showcase innovations in care which could be adopted by local authorities, the NHS and housing providers.
  4. Map all of the digital community hubs (however defined) which are available to ensure that people have access to local resources. This would also identify areas where there is currently no support available.
  5. Benchmark levels of awareness about technology innovations across the care sector and work with key players to promote and share the benefits of innovation.

Are we making progress? Despite millions of pound given in grants for innovation and digital inclusion, endless reports, numerous conferences and a recognition that digital technology is an integral part of our lives I sometimes feel I am living in a parallel universe to the Ageing Better industry …..

David Wilcox is an intrepid social reporter who has written extensively about Living Well in the Digital Age. He helpfully highlighted that there is no mention in the recent strategy of the Centre for Ageing Better about technology and digital innovation.

From the Big Lottery Fund £82 million investment in Ageing Better to the £50 million endowment creating the Centre for Better Ageing and the diverse Nesta programs it seems there is a proliferation of partnerships exploring how to embed innovation in care but the jury is out about their impact.  Maybe the recently launched Innovate UK £4 million Long Term Care Revolution national challenge will provide some  answers?

https://twitter.com/Persulla/status/590124089035087874

The “Ageing” sector is a complex and fragmented  multi million pound industry involving  hundreds of organisations and millions of potential beneficiaries.  How often have you asked if your your product or service could be improved and made assumptions about the problems people really need help solving?

I welcome your ideas about how we can shift from yet more research and reports to innovation with practical and useful outcomes which will improve the quality of life for older people now and in the future! My #AgeingBetter dream encompasses  personalised care driven by technology, smart homes with sensors, robot companions and driverless cars.

Looking 20 years ahead as baby boomers reach the age 80 plus we still have time to plan and get it right. But we have to move from rhetoric and reports to action now!

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Posted in Care in the Digital Age, Connected Care Network, Digital Technology

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Can digital technology help make connected care a reality? #psicare

Posted on 05/12/2013 by | 3 comments

There are six Breakout sessions at Connected Care Camp being held on Saturday 7th December. Below is a brief list of some of the many online resources available. Using technology and thanks to @clarkmike we now have a Connected Care Mindmap with lots of resources to inform our discussions at the event.  if you have a resource you would like to add to the Mindmap please tweet a link to the relevant URL using #psicare

Social Isolation, Loneliness and the impact on health and wellbeing

Joseph Rowntree Foundation #Loneliness Resource Pack
How can we ensure a good quality of life for adults in residential care and housing with support. This means having a sense of purpose and full inclusion within the community with strong social contacts and mental stimulation.

 “ Residents reported being able to look at websites to do with their interests and hobbies, use internet shopping sites and communicate with family members, often overseas. Some had already noted beneficial impact on their carer’s ability to help manage their condition.”

Get Connected programme Social Care Institute for Excellence

Examples of how digital technology in empowering and supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals.

Information, advice and support across the care, health and housing sectors.

Connected Communities

How digital technology is supporting individuals to connect in different ways and live more independent and fulfilling lives within the community.

One of the simplest needs is the ability to stay in touch with family and friends who may be widely dispersed. There are a range of online tools available to address the practical tasks of co-ordinating the care and support of an individual.

Virtual, online and microvolunteering provide different ways for people to contribute to their communities online

Digital Literacy, Inclusion and the Barriers to Technology Adoption
Accessing and learning about the digital world can be a challenge for many groups in the UK.  Getting started on the internet – a brief guide
The challenges of Integrated Care

User and patient engagement and the personalisation of services

How can technology world encourage more patient and user engagement? Are public services signposting people to the many online support forums now available?

Follow Connected Care Camp and join in the discussions on Twitter using the hashtag #psicare

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Posted in Care in the Digital Age, Digital Technology, Disruptive Social Care

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Connected Care Camp survey – what are the priorities?

Posted on 11/11/2013 by | 3 comments

Connected Care Camp on the 7th December is bringing together front line staff, managers, people who use health and care services as well as carers to explore how we can improve the wider care sector including housing.

Connected Care Camp is part of the Public Service Launchpad a new programme to help passionate people who work either paid or unpaid in all kinds of public services – whether in local government, housing associations, health services, the third sector, social enterprises or elsewhere to develop ideas to solve the problems that they encounter every day. Ideas can involve small changes or radical redesign of services.

Not everyone can attend this one-off event in person but you can join in on Twitter using the hashtag #psicare.

We know what many of the problems are, many are making headlines on a daily basis so we are looking for solutions that work and that can scale. We need a clearer vision of what works and who could benefit so that we can optimise the skills and resources we currently have. This includes decommissioning services that are not effective.

In a fragmented health and care system we need to be clear about who has responsibilities for action, how organisations and communities can be more effective and how health, care and housing can be better co-ordinated around people who could benefit.

To help us organise the day and better engage the wider community via social media we would welcome your responses to our survey.

Click here to take the survey

Find out more about Connected Care Camp and book your place here

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Posted in Adult Social Care, Care in the Digital Age, Digital Leadership, Digital Technology

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Welcome to the Connected Care Camp on 7th December 2013 #psicare

Posted on 25/10/2013 by | 5 comments

“The role for many public service organisations is to actively mainstream the innovation that is already out there. There are loads of innovators and entrepreneurs who just need a route to market. Some of them may already be employed by you.” Paul Taylor Innovation Coach Bromford speaking on the Disruptive Social Care podcast May 2013

Public Service Launchpad is a new programme to help passionate people who work either paid or unpaid in all kinds of public services – whether in local government, housing associations, health services, the third sector, social enterprises or elsewhere to develop ideas to solve the problems that they encounter every day. Ideas can involve small changes or radical redesign of services.

As part of the scholarship programme and to encourage wider participation across care the Connected Care Camp has been organised on Saturday 7th December from 10.00 – 4.30 in London.

We want to encourage front line staff, managers and people who use care services to come along and share experiences, wisdom and ideas about how we can improve care services.

Here are some of the problems we know about in the care sector

  • How can health and care services support people who are lonely and isolated – there’s a million of them
  • People struggle to find information, guidance and advice – how can we improve the systems?
  • How can we support more connected communities?
  • Are there any alternatives to the 15 minute care visits?
  • How could doctors, nurses, social workers and support staff better coordinate care planning and visits?
  • How can we support people with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives?
  • Why don’t all hospitals and care homes have wi-fi and internet access?
  • How can we support staff, people who use care services, carers and volunteers to improve their digital skills and feel more confident using technology?
  • Why don’t care homes have video links to GPs and hospital doctors to avoid unnecessary visits and disruption?
  • How can digital technologies can give people more control of their care and support and make person centred care a reality?
  • How can  technology  help develop the local care market place?
  • How can digital technology  help to support carers & care networks?
  • How can technology  help to reduce unplanned or readmissions to hospitals and  ensure effective discharges?
  • There are particular challenges for people living in rural areas to access services & products . How can technology  help us to address the rural premium?

Do you have any great ideas about how we can fix these and the many challenges confronting the care sector?

Do use #psicare to join in the Twitter discussions before and during the day.

Connected Care Camp Programme 

9.30 – 10.00 Registration

10.00 – 10.15 Welcome

10.15 – 10.45 Introductions

10.45 – 11.15 What could community care and support look like in the 21st Century? A wish list (small group discussion)

11.15 – 11.30 Break

11.30 – 12.00 Feedback and Discussion

12.00 – 1.00 What do we need to start doing, what do we need to stop doing and  what do we need to carry on doing?

1.00 – 1.45 Lunch

1.45  – 2.45 Choice of themed  sessions exploring opportunities for innovation

  • Community Connections
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Digital Inclusion
  • Residential Care and Housing with Support
  • Social Media workshop to develop confidence and share expertise about the use and potential of digital tools

2.45 – 3.45 Themed sessions repeated

3.45 – 4.15 Panel debate “Next Steps”

4.15 – 4.30 Closing Remarks

By the end of the day you will:

  • Have made at least 10 new contacts who are involved in the care, health,  housing and voluntary sectors
  • Shared emerging and good practice
  • Discussed and received feedback on your ideas
  • Learned about at least 20 current innovations across the care sector

It should be noted that the care sector is a complex and fragmented market and the adoption of new ideas is not easy and present many challenges.

A roundup of Connected Care Camp posts, resources and videos #psicare

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Posted in Care in the Digital Age, Digital Technology, Disruptive Social Care, Events

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Our latest Disruptive Social Care podcasts!

Posted on 14/09/2013 by | Leave a comment

Praise indeed!

How to keep up to date with news. innovations and events in care – my online roladex system!

Such a great interview with Dominic Campbell inspirational founder of Future Gov that we did not want to edit it but decided to give it to you in two parts!

And because it was so good a reminder of our interview with Paul Taylor Innovation Coach at Bromford!

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Posted in Digital Technology, Disruptive Social Care

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Disruptive Social Care News and Innovation Video Podcast 20 now online!

Posted on 30/08/2013 by | Leave a comment

Welcome to our twentieth Podcast , we hope that you enjoy it!

Reblogged from the Disruptive Social Care website

Please leave comments and let us have a conversation. Also, come and “Like” us on Facebook if that’s your thing, and follow Shirley and Stuart on Twitter:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisruptiveSocialCare
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/disruptivesocialcare
Stuart Arnott on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindingsStu
Shirley Ayres on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShirleyAyres

Shownotes

Citizen 2013 June 13th London provided the opportunity for a stimulating and provocative discussion about digital engagement and government service in 2013. https://twitter.com/CareQualityComm has over 21,000 followers but only actually follows 215 people. http://citizen-2012.org/

The Kings Fund International Congress on Telehealth and Telecare 2013
http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/events/third-annual-international-congress-telehealth-and-telecare

Challenging comments from George Crooks @NHS24 “if you always do things the same way and never redesign services then #telehealth will always cost more” and “tech is potential disruptor, but service redesign is key. The workforce are trying to work round deficiencies in the current structures which include blocking staff from using social media”.

Panel debate on the pros and cons of Telehealth and Telecare chaired by https://twitter.com/RoyLilley and including ttps://twitter.com/mellojonny

Kent Care in the Digital Age conference
https://shirleyayres.wordpress.com/2013/08/25/kentdigicare-a-milestone-for-connected-care/ #kentdigicare

Congratulations to Andrea Sutcliffe https://twitter.com/Crouchendtiger7 Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence who has been appointed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as its first Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care.
Watch her on DSC Podcast 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAF4Q5qx8gs

Growing old (dis)gracefully: Choice for the late middle age
https://twitter.com/JohnW_Bromford
http://www.24dash.com/news/housing/2013-08-28-Opinion-Growing-old-dis-gracefully-Choice-for-the-late-middle-age?utm_content=bufferb78b0&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

NHS re-organisation
Follow https://twitter.com/clarkmike
Subscribing to monthly eNewsletter http://www.telecarelin.org.uk/
An alternative guide to the new NHS in England by the Kings Fund
http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/projects/nhs-65/alternative-guide-new-nhs-england

Ermintrude2
https://twitter.com/Ermintrude2 has started writing again
Social Work Journal Club Chat
#swjcchat.
http://swjcchat.wordpress.com/2013/07/07/what-is-the-social-work-journal-club/

Health & Illness in a Connected World
Fascinating post about online peer support in the digital age

http://1.usa.gov/17MH9dJ

HealthyWalks
https://twitter.com/healthywalks network run by https://twitter.com/RamblersGB & https://twitter.com/macmillancancer

http://bit.ly/1f4yB4I Walking for Health
Free local easy walks
http://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/

Systems Thinking for Girls
We recommend the writing of https://twitter.com/STforgirls who challenge every day management thinking and sexism.
http://systemsthinkingforgirls.com/

Challenges and opportunities of Digital Leadership

10 top tips asks whether a ‘digital’ leader any different from a ‘traditional’ leader.
https://shirleyayres.wordpress.com/2013/08/08/digital-leadership-10-top-tips-from-clarkmike/

Lessons in Digital Leadership (from South Korea and Uganda)
https://twitter.com/PaulBromford
http://paulbromford.wordpress.com/2013/08/08/lessons-in-digital-leadership-from-south-korea-and-uganda/

Three Ways To Get Cool Stuff Done Quickly At Work

http://paulbromford.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/three-ways-to-get-cool-stuff-done-quickly-at-work/

Meet Helen Reynolds the #socialmedia guru who makes Monmouthshire rock
http://www.theguardian.com/local-government-network/2013/aug/23/social-media-monmouthshire?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffercc007&utm_medium=twitter

The living map of ageing innovators

provides a guide to some of the most exciting things happening in the world of ageing. http://ageinginnovators.org/

Living map of job innovators

The most exciting things happening in the world of job creation and tackling worklessness.
http://jobsinnovators.org/

Nominet trust Social Tech, Social Change – seeks to inspire more entrepreneurs to develop new ventures using digital technology for social impact.
http://www.nominettrust.org.uk/what-we-support/our-investment-programmes/social-tech-social-change

The Digital Edge is an investment programme to fund innovative, tested ideas for using digital technology to improve young people’s economic and social participation.
http://www.nominettrust.org.uk/what-we-support/our-investment-programmes/digital-edge

The Life Transitions programme funds innovative ventures using digital technology to support people during periods of transition, such as moving in and out of employment, bereavement, or moving in and out of a healthcare environment.
http://www.nominettrust.org.uk/what-we-support/our-investment-programmes/life-transitions

Nominet Trust 100
http://www.nominettrust.org.uk/knowledge-centre/nominet-trust-100

Click Guide to Technology for Adult Care
https://shirleyayres.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/available-now-the-click-guide-to-digital-technology-for-adult-social-care/

Mindings Update
http://www.leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk/news/community/snap-up-a-place-in-this-trial-to-tackle-loneliness-1-5350730

Kickstarter “Be Natural”: Alice Guy-Blaché
The first female director in the motion-picture industry and is one of the first directors of fiction films.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/benatural/be-natural-the-untold-story-of-alice-guy-blache

Let Toys Be Toys
Campaign to stop retailers limiting children’s imaginations and interests by promoting some toys as only suitable for girls, and others only for boys.
http://www.lettoysbetoys.org.uk
Sign the petition!
https://www.change.org/petitions/toy-retailers-in-uk-and-ireland-stop-promoting-toys-as-only-for-boys-or-only-for-girls-2

Twitter Tips and The Art Of Tweeting: Do’s And Don’ts

http://www.informationweek.com/social-business/social_networking_consumer/the-art-of-tweeting-dos-and-donts/240157863?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=bufferab9ff&utm_medium=twitter

UP-COMING MONTH

5 September
WonkComms: Rent-a-quote? Think tanks, media and strategy.
http://wonkcomms.net/2013/07/17/event-rent-a-quote-think-tanks-media-and-strategy/

5 September
Social Care Curry Club
https://socialcarecurryclub.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/SocialCareCurry
Started by https://twitter.com/Mattbowsher and supported by https://twitter.com/GeorgeJulian

September 10
World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) will co-sponsor World Suicide Prevention Day

#FOLLOW FRIDAY

@whatsthepont
http://whatsthepont.com/

@TryLife_tv
Online drama series
https://twitter.com/PaulRIrwin (Director)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTSa9HxxWLI&feature=youtu.be

@allyc375
“Health and social care hell raiser”

@LetToysBeToys
Campaign to stop retailers limiting children’s imaginations and interests by promoting some toys as only suitable for girls, and others only for boys.

 

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Posted in Digital Leadership, Digital Technology, Disruptive Social Care

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#kentdigicare a milestone for connected care?

Posted on 25/08/2013 by | 7 comments

On the 12th July an exciting event took place in Sittingbourne Kent. 150 professionals and volunteers from care, health, housing, community services and the voluntary sector joined together with service users and carers to discuss how digital technology can enhance care services. They were joined online by people with an interest in social innovation for care from across the UK. The aim of the event was to explore how digital technology can help to improve the wellbeing of individuals who need care and support as well as their families and carers.To encourage social learning from the event we have gathered together all of the resources shared before, during and after the day.

#KentDigiCare was the first collaboration from the Connected Care Network. We are now in discussions with a number of organisations and further collaborations will be announced in the autumn.

Welcome to #kentdigicare @shirleyayres

Why I’m excited about #kentdigicare by @uk_james

Conference Programme via @KentSocialCare

Presentations

@dominiccampbell “Care in the Digital Age: The Use of Technology in Care 

Can online innovations enhance social care? Shirley Ayres 

Workshops To understand how social networks are now influencing innovations in  care the first workshops provided participants with the opportunity to find  out more about using social media and providing digital leadership. A big thank you to  all our  workshop facilitators who travelled from far and wide to support Kent Care in the Digital Age!

Social Media – The Basics @paulbromford

Social Media top tips for #kentdigicare from @clarkmike and @shirleyayres

The event was followed widely across the UK !  #kentdigicare a quick video summary thanks @ailinmartinez

Resources provided for the workshops

Monmouthshire County Council Social Media Guidance for staff and members

Bromford Group Social Media Guidelines

NHS Employers HR and Social Media Guidance

Engage: Digital and Social Media Engagement for the Police Service

Social Media 

The Public Sector Social Media Survey 2013 Infographic from Goss Interactive provides a snapshot of the public sector’s current use of social media on an organisational level.

20 Things They Never Told Us About Going Social – Paul Taylor

Seven Twitter mistakes we all have to make – Helen Reynolds

Social Media Playbook – ELOQUA

Twitter in 15 minutes A beginners guide by @besttechguyever  Facebook 101 for health and care organisations@claireOT

Social Media in Mental Health Practice @VictoriaBetton

The Click Guide to Digital Technology for Adult Social Care

An archive of all the Live Stream recordings made during the day by @johnpopham is available to watch on YouTube 

The tweets were storified thanks to @clarkmike

#KENTDIGICARE – 12 JULY 2012 (WITH IMAGES, TWEETS) · CLARKMIKE

#KentDigiCare – the discussions continue – 15 July 2013 (with tweet)… 

You can still join in the discussions and share resources via the #KentDigiCare hashtag on Twitter.

#KentDigiCare Symplur Analytics Headline Numbers: over 2,643,755 impressions, 194 people participated online and an average 46 tweets per hour.

Blogs

My first blog post! Care in the Digital Age Reflections @TeresaTinsel

#KentDigiCare – a giant leap for Social Movements @whoseshoes

Mindings and Care in the Digital Age @MindingsStu

What did we achieve?

Every participant to make at least five new connections, learn about five new technology innovations that will enhance care in their communities and taking  learning points to share with colleagues in the workplace and community connectors and builders.

Conclusions

“The Kent Care in the Digital Age event created a fantastic environment for engagement, improving understanding and furthering discussion about how  professionals can widen their understanding of the digital opportunities that exist.  We need to understand  how technology can support people to connect with their communities, provide tools for family carers and professional staff and  importantly put people in more control of their own lives. One of the key messages coming through from #kentdigicare was that we need to support people, whenever possible, to use the technology themselves to complement more “traditional”health and social care support. It’s time for health and social care to catch up and enter the digital age.” James Lampert Commissioning Manager Kent County Council @uk_james

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Posted in Care in the Digital Age, Digital Leadership, Digital Technology, Social Media and Social Care

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