The EU launch of the Discover4carers.eu website took place in Dublin on Wednesday June 12 2013.

 

 

(Pictured (L-R): Minister Kathleen Lynch, Andrew Macfarlane CASALA Centre Manager and Olive Houston, a Carer.)

 

Welcoming the website, Ms Kathleen Lynch, Minister for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People said that this innovative online resource will support two key objectives of the Government’s National Carers’ Strategy ­–  to promote the availability of user friendly and timely information and advice and to provide relevant and accessible carer training opportunities for carers.

 

“Most importantly, DISCOVER is based around the needs of carers, and those they care for,” said Minister Lynch. “Carers are frequently caring alone and may not have anyone to turn to or have the time to seek advice. Many lack the confidence to make the most of digital technologies that have the potential to play an important role in supporting them in their caring role".

 

“The DISCOVER platform has developed new digital skills training content to reach these carers. We want to ensure that all carers  can benefit from technology to provide them with smarter choices about how they access health, care, education, local services and job opportunities. I would urge all those involved in the caring sector to log on, engage with this resource, and talk to other carers online to share experiences.”

 

Minister Lynch said that the DISCOVER initiative provides a much-needed pathway to tackle digital and social exclusion, and it is fitting that Ireland should be taking the lead in Europe during National Carers Week.

 

 

(Pictured L-R: Andrew Macfarlane, Centre Manager CASALA, Minster Kathleen Lynch, Minister for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People and Frank Goodwin, President EuroCarers.org)

 

The Carers Association has also welcomed this innovation initiative. “We welcome any opportunities for family carers to acquire new skills, particularly in the area of new technology and see this as a way of reducing the social and emotional isolation that many carers experience," said Catherine Cox of the association.

 

Andrew Macfarlane, Commercialisation Director of CASALA, said that "the DISCOVER project provides an innovative response to supporting carers in their caring role and the development of digital skills".