Digital Online Support

Being able to connect with other services and Carers can be a lifeline, especially if your caring role or working hours prevent you from getting out and about. Birmingham Carers Hub provides free mobile data, opportunities to learn or improve your online skills, to get online self-help advice and online Carer support groups.

FREE Mobile Data, Calls and Texts for Carers

Forward Carers manages the Birmingham Carers Hub service and is working with National Databank to provide FREE mobile data, calls and texts for Carers. Further information is available here. If you are eligible, you can request data by completing this form.

• Unlimited calls and Texts
• Generous Data Allowance that will keep you online and connected no matter where you are.
• We will be able to support individuals on low income to access data via free voucher codes and SIM cards.  

Online Self-Help Support

Thanks to Bridgit Care, a Birmingham Carers Hub’s partner, Carers registered with our service can access their own virtual assistant, Bridgit. This online tool (accessible in multiple languages) provides:

• Self-Help
• Health Advice and
• Access to your FREE digital Carer Friendly Photo ID Card

Find out more here, or click here to try our new virtual assistant, Bridgit.

Online support groups  

Kissing it Better offers a warm space for a coffee and chat online (or if you prefer, you are welcome to join out of vision, with your mic off just to listen). You are welcome to join for all or part of the session. This session is for Carers, and those you care for, are also welcome. 
When? Every Monday & Friday at 10:30am 
How? Click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84855033307?pwd=d25nZlV3YXlCWXQ5c2d2Mi9aYzB6UT09
Meeting ID: 848 5503 3307     Passcode: 076930

Online Carers Groups – How to use Zoom?
Some Carer support groups are now online and are usually delivered by Zoom. It can be quite daunting using Zoom for the first time, so we have created a step-by-step guide on how to use Zoom here. If you would like to find out more about the group you are interested in, please feel free to contact the organiser and have a conversation.

Support to get Online – Lending and Learning

Digital Support in Sutton Coldfield
Pop along and see Joe if you need advice, support or guidance on how to use your device – this can be on your phone, laptop or tablet. These free sessions are held every Wednesday, 2pm-4pm weekly at Communitea Cafe, 76-78 Boldmere Road, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield
Birmingham, B73 5TJ. For more information call 0121 630 2462 or call Joe on 07432739018.

Digital Literacy Project and Lending Library (Edgbaston & Northfield)
Age UK Birmingham is aiming to increase residents’ (aged 50+) knowledge of the internet and digital devices, living in Edgbaston and Northfield constituencies. You can borrow a laptop from their lending library – they have an internet-enabled connection so you don’t have to have broadband in your home. They can help you develop your digital skills and confidence in using the internet for shopping, banking, paying bills, learning or improving skills, being entertained and connecting with friends and family anywhere in the world. They also offer digital drop-in sessions.

For Edgbaston, contact Stanley Tucker, Digital Literacy Project Support Worker on 07967 128647 or 0121 824 1288, stanley.tucker@ageukbirmingham.org.uk

For Northfield, contact Cheryl, Digital Literacy Project Support Worker on 077619 43032 chughes@northfieldcommunity.org
Lending Library – Perry Barr
If you live in the Perry Barr Constituency and you need to borrow a laptop, tablet or you need some technical support call 0121 663 1443 or email hubinfo@springhousing.org.uk

Computer Training and Support – Northfield
Northfield Community Partnership is a registered UK online centre and offers help and support to people to learn basic computer skills by using the Online Basics Course.

People completing this can then progress to Online Plus which covers a variety of topics, including how to look for a job online, money management and health issues. UK online centres is a UK-based government-funded organisation that aims to provide millions of people with all the skills and confidence they need to use computers and the internet. To make an appointment to get online, call 0121 411 2157.

Tea and T’Internet
These free sessions, are great for beginners to get to grips with how to get on the internet while also enjoying a cup of tea and a piece cake. There are sessions in Stirchley and Kings Norton, find out more here or call Lewis on 07726 302 138.