A digital peer support platform for carers
Wayfinder CIC have developed Wayfinder Peer Support, a digital peer support app for carers. The app will improve care networks by enabling clinitians to connect carers to a peer supporter with lived experience of caring, providing access to useful recorded information, and carer's monitoring the progress of own individual care journeys.
Research shows that better supported carers can create better outcomes for those they care for. It suggests that by providing a geographically unbound digital platform like the Wayfinder app, carers feel more prepared to face their care journeys. By improving their wellbeing, Wayfinder in-turn reduces the demand for crisis-level care where it isn't needed.
Obtained through research activity undertaken with NHS clinitians and commissioners in England
FAQs: About our platform
What is Wayfinder Peer Support?
Wayfinder Peer Support is a digital peer support app for carers (not patients). Some of the core features of the app include:
• Enabling carers to communicate with their 'connected' peer supporter when they need to
• Giving carers access to approved documents and online content
• Enabling carers to assess and record aspects of their carer experience using multiple choice icons – things like their mood, and how well supported they feel
• Capturing and presenting changes in these assessments over time
How can I access Wayfinder Peer Support?
Anyone can download the Wayfinder app, but it is only accessible by people who have been given access by a clinician supervising a peer support group. Wayfinder is not a medical device, but is usually commissioned and made available by NHS trusts, and administered by a clinician supervising a peer support group.
What safety measures are in place?
Wayfinder holds only information about carers, not patients
Users can only communicate with the people they are introduced by a clinician supervising a peer support group
Neither carers nor peer supporters share personal contact details, and can remain anonymous
All documents and online content accessible by users are approved and added to the app by a clinician supporting a peer support group
Clinicians supervising a peer support group have restricted access to information, only able to invite carers and peer supporters to the app, provide access codes, and upload approved documents and provide links to approved online content
Where is Wayfinder applicable?
Though we're beginning with Wayfnder Peer Support in the healthcare setting, we believe that our peer support model could provide a foundation for hope-giving care networks across many fields and sectors, including education and mentoring. We'll always welcome new ideas about where our platform could be used.
Any more questions?
Please do...
Why is our platform important?
"A platform like Wayfinder Peer Support could mean parents are far less likely to take their child to A&E in crisis, or to insist on admission, by helping them to feel they are better supported”
Obtained through research activity undertaken with NHS clinicians and commissioners
"Using a digital peer support platform like Wayfinder removes geographical barriers, enabling the creation of new peer support groups, as well as sharing ones which exist within health boards already"
Obtained through research activity undertaken with NHS clinicians and commissioners
"Fewer patients/clients presenting at A&E and other crisis services can ultimately reduce admissions to inpatient and residential services which may not be right for them”
Obtained through research activity undertaken with NHS clinicians and commissioners
“Wayfinder's digital approach to mental healthcare aligns with strategies for the future of care across the UK, providing accesible support in areas where it may be lacking"
Obtained through research activity undertaken with NHS clinicians and commissioners