Volunteer Digital Champions helping Dorset's unpaid carers access Bridgit support

Dorset Council’s Volunteer Digital Champions (VDCs) have been out across the county sharing updates on Bridgit — the council’s one‑stop online support service for unpaid carers.

Colin Payne, from Verwood, and Neil Barton, a relief VDC from Ferndown, recently delivered a session to the Stress Busters carer group at Parley Place Care Home in West Parley. Their talk focused on tackling digital exclusion and helping carers build the skills and confidence they need to get online safely and independently.

During the session, the champions introduced carers to the wide range of digital support available locally, demonstrating how tools like Bridgit can make it easier to access advice, training, and practical guidance.

Latest figures show the growing reach and impact of the Bridgit platform in Dorset:

- More than 24,100 carers identified through Bridgit.

- Over 26,200 self‑help plans created, including 800 in the past month alone.

- 90,730 supported areas accessed on the Bridgit platform, with around 4,700 added in February.

- Most‑visited topics include Carers Allowances, carer support, pain management, care at home and carer assessments.

- Estimated over £4 million in system cost avoidance and more than £700,000 in carer benefits identified since its launch in June 2023.

Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said he recognized the enormous challenges that unpaid carers face and how, as a council, we wanted to find ways to support them.

“Our Volunteer Digital Champions play a vital role in ensuring carers feel supported, informed, and confident when navigating the digital world.

“Bridgit has become an invaluable resource, helping thousands of carers across Dorset access the advice and tools they need more quickly and easily.

“I’m delighted to see the real and growing impact it is having—not only in improving carers’ day‑to‑day lives, but also in supporting our wider health and care system.”

Notes to Editors

For more information about Bridgit Care, visit: https://bridgit.care/support/dorset

Watch our Bridgit video: Bridgit Care – Our online one-stop shop for carers

Our volunteer digital champions are ready to help residents in libraries and community centres across the county. To book an appointment go into a library or call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048.

 

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