Hi Daryl – so pleased you have come back and told some more.
I have to say this sounds like a quite wonderful initiative .... and certainly something that plugs gaps that national – even international - forums cannot possibly manage. Your prototype could be a very valuable tool to provide carers in localised areas with information they need!
OK – no criticisms – or even need for answers - just thoughts into the pot: Where is the funding coming from, or is this an entirely voluntary initiative? One reason for asking, you will probably be aware charities such as AS themselves (AgeUk to name just one another) are offering ‘signposting services’ now ... in other words ... they may not provide the service but they know someone who does ..... I know as a former carer I would loved to have ‘tapped in’ to a local network which told me whether Crossroads/AS/Princess Royal Trust even my local council etc etc had support available in my own area ..... converse of that, are you duplicating anything national organisations may be offering locally (maybe not online)? Or again, might you have the skills, abilities, time etc etc to actually co-ordinate all the different organisations locally in their ‘sign-posting’ and secure funding or resource from them to support your work?
I think in the current ever changing world of cuts and reviews (UK), this type of service and information is invaluable ... I know I have heard of cuts – or been pleasantly surprised by new initiatives – often through word of mouth locally. If that can be shared quickly and lcoally to save another carer the angst of trawling through all possibilities, fantastic! But how do you make the service known?
I understand what other posters are saying about security ..... whilst I do appreciate the need to be particularly sensitive – especially on a website that may attract people who may lack some capacity to make their own judgements about personal safety ..... I believe there has to be some balance around risk. Disclaimers may be a solution.
I think of going along to a Carers’ group (in person) – or for that matter a Debating Group or an ‘evening class’ .... I would have to make my own judgements about who I trusted, how much information I wished to share about myself and so on. (And I’ve got it wrong myself on TP in the past – although wonderfully right on other occasions!)
Creating a website does not require you to have a social conscience, of course – at this point, I am investing ‘trust’ that you are a bona fide poster on TP and your intentions are nothing but honourable!!
Is there any way you could gain some accreditation from somewhere for your site?
It’s a wonderful concept .... looking forward to hearing much more.
Karen, x
