Networked Neighbourhoods has begun a new project looking at how local formal and informal care networks can use social media to help older people age in place. Funding comes from the IDeA’s Efficiency and Transformation Capital Fund and we’ll be working with Haringey Council and Age Concern Haringey.

The project aims to reduce the burden on public services by helping older people to live independently where possible. It will do this by working in two areas of Haringey borough to:

  • Establish and support networks of local advocates to empower older people in their care choices. Advocates will help older people manage their individual budgets and will help stimulate informal support in the neighbourhood.
  • Bring together older people, carers, care workers, local advocates and other volunteers and professionals to form a learning network, in order to share understanding of formal and informal neighbourhood support for older people.
  • Exploit the potential of local citizen-led websites and social media to help people in these networks to share information, provide support and advice, and mobilise local support for older people both online and offline.

In doing this the project will provide customer insight into service provision while increasing levels of interaction and support at neighbourhood level.