Six ways unpaid carers can access free tech help

Carers Week logoCarers Week, this year taking place 5-11 June, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the invaluable work by unpaid carers. 

If you're an unpaid carer of a relative, friend or neighbour and looking for help, did you know AbilityNet's range of FREE services provide tech help for older people and disabled people?

Our services can empower people through technology and, we hope, make a positive difference to the lives of unpaid carers.

Six ways carers can access free tech help

Technology can help older and disabled people in a range of ways, whether you or the person you care for are feeling isolated, or need help with a particular disability.

1. Get tech help from an AbilityNet volunteer

Piotr, AbilityNet volunteer smilingAs a carer, you may also be disabled yourself. AbilityNet can help you with your technology questions or issues, or you can refer the person you care for to AbilityNet. Our network of more than 350+ volunteers will offer free computer and technology support and help adapt your existing technology to suit your needs, or suggest solutions that will help to empower individuals. 

You may have a problem with a computer virus, need some help installing broadband or be confused about updates or error messages.

Our friendly volunteers are disclosure checked and can assist you in person at your home, by phone or over the internet. They have relevant IT skills and will be able to help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones. 


Call our FREE helpline on 0800 048 7642 during UK office hours to access our free volunteer help at home or online

It's Volunteers' Week 2023 at the moment - find out more about our amazing volunteers around the UK, including Piotr Wikarski, pictured.

2. Access our FREE factsheets

We have a range of FREE factsheets with information on various topics, including assistive technology and for people living with specific impairments and conditions.

For example, access factsheets on useful topics including:

Our factsheet “Technology for Seniors” also highlights devices designed specifically with older people in mind.

You may also be interested in our archive of blogs, including Supporting people with dementia through technology innovations

3. Get funding for technology you need

Two women looking at computer and smiling over breakfast tableDespite falling prices, the cost of a suitable computer system is still beyond the means of many disabled people, especially those on a low income.

Download our free factsheet: Finding funding for an adapted computer system for information and advice on how disabled people may obtain alternative funding for assistive technology that could make a significant difference to their quality of life.

4. Attend our free webinars for top tips

With topics ranging from sight loss, hearing loss, dyslexia, stroke awareness and more, our free webinars offer practical tips and insights into various disabilities, with expert advice and guest panellists.

Check out our webinar recordings archive to help with tech and other topics connected with caring responsibilities.

5. Learn how to use smart tech to help at home

Older man looking at device and smiling with younger woman also looking at phoneOne of our AbilityNet FREE webinars explored how to use smart tech at home. Find out what smart tech is, explore smart tech solutions including smart speakers, and learn how to use the assistive technology that is included within the smart devices.

Watch the recording on YouTube.

6. Use built-in assistive technology features

Visit AbilityNet's My Computer My Way to help unlock the useful features that are available on many devices including smartphones, tablets and computers, and assistive technology.

This FREE tool helps you adjust settings within multiple operating systems across a range of devices, including Apple Mac and iOS, Android devices, Windows and Chromebook. Search by impairment (cognitive issues, for example) or by what you want to do to help with issues you face, or to assist the person you care for (switch on captions, for example). 

How AbilityNet can help