May 2006 - Global Recognition at Stockholm Challenge.  The CareOnLine reputation for practical service delivery to some of the hardest to reach groups in society is spreading rapidly. After winning the e-Government National Award in January CareOnLine has reached the finals of the global Stockholm Challenge. The awards recognise innovation in using technology to empower individuals in the community. The 151 finalists were selected from 1100 entries from 53 countries. CareOnLine received a ‘special mention’ in the Public Administration category. Shown with the Lord Mayor of Stockholm are Margaret Glennie (second from left) and Ian Retson (third from right).

June 2006 - European Conference.  CareOnLine was one of 23 projects from across Europe chosen to demonstrate best practice at the ICT for an Inclusive Society Conference in Riga, Latvia. The conference was attended by Ministers from across Europe. European Commissioner for Information Society, Viviane Reding and Latvian e-government Minister Ina Gudela (seen left) visited CareOnLine to see how we deliver our service to citizens in their own homes.

On the right is Ian Retson talking to members of a Latvian disability organisation.

From Manchester to China.  We have received enquiries from a project based in east Manchester and the EU-China Society who are both interested in setting up a service for older and disabled people using the CareOnLine service model. Our simple, practical model can be implemented on any scale and grow to suit local needs and budgets.

Training and Support.  Meanwhile, back at home the team continue to serve the local community, increasing the number of people helped. Our telephone help line receives over 300 calls a year, many of which result in a home visit to sort out technical problems. As well as providing individual home training for isolated and housebound people we work with our Community Education team to provide training to groups in Sheltered Housing schemes. We refer older people to Age Concern who have established a home training initiative for people with mobility difficulties who want advanced lessons. You can see some of our case studies under the ‘CareOnLine People’ section.

Contact: Ian Retson - CareOnLine Project Manager.  Telephone: 01 16 2 65 73 52.  E-mail:  iretson@leics.gov.uk.

The aims of CareOnLine are to reduce isolation and improve the quality of life among Older People, Disabled People and their Carers. The service provides help with access to computers and the Internet, training, technical support and a purpose-built website.