Are you an unpaid carer? Take part in testing new tech solutions

News - 1 February 2023

Do you provide unpaid care for a family member or friend aged 55 or over in the Brighton and Hove area?
Brighton uni

If so, The University of Brighton has an opportunity that may interest you! 

Caring for someone can be difficult and time intensive. Some unpaid carers struggle to find time for themselves, and their caring responsibilities can have a negative effect on their mental health and wellbeing. 

The University of Brighton and Brighton & Hove City Council want to support unpaid carers with some of the challenges they face and give them an opportunity to take better care of themselves and the people they care for. 

We are working with small businesses to test and showcase the impact of technologies and innovative solutions that can:

  • Allow the person being cared for to live more independently, to free up time for their carer 

How you can get involved 

The University of Brighton believes in developing solutions with the people they’re designed to help. 

That’s why they would like your help in testing products and services from UK businesses over a 6–8-week period at the start of 2023. You’ll be able to provide useful insights and feedback to help improve the design and functionality of the solutions. 

This might involve using technology that monitors the daily activities of your family member/friend and can alert you if they have an accident, so you don’t have to worry about them all the time. 

And/ Or taking part in focus groups providing feedback, helping a company understand the challenges you may face as a carer, and how to improve their product to meet your needs. 

Why you should get involved 

This is a unique opportunity to: 

  • Trial and experience first-hand, solutions that may help you with the challenges you face  
  • Be part of a collaborative process to inform the design and development of products and services that can empower unpaid carers like yourself 
  • Meet other unpaid carers who may be experiencing similar challenges 
  • Receive £100 giftcard as a token of appreciation for your contribution 

If you’re interested in participating in this project, please contact: 

Lisa Hodgson L.Hodgson@brighton.ac.uk