James Townsend, the co-founder of Mobilise, is on a mission to transform the way the UK's growing number of informal carers access support. James has over ten years of experience setting up and leading socially impactful organisations. He was formerly Teach First President, and set up the Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership, facilitating 135,000 teachers, leaders and support staff into a learning community. Discussion In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Mobilise is an online platform where carers can meet for a chat over a “virtual cuppa” and access vital information about the outbreak from their homes. A number of unpaid carers are finding emotional support through the lockdown period by joining a new virtual community. At a time when we’re all worried about health, caring for someone you love is extremely stressful. James mentioned that he wants carers to know there is an online community available for them. It has undoubtedly become a time where caring is very important. With Mobilise, they make sure nobody has to learn how to be a carer on their own and gets the needed support to be a carer. Take Homes Support those who provide support It can be hard to know what to do when supporting someone, especially in the current situation we are facing. Giving and receiving support from others is a basic human need. The goal of social support is to decrease stress. If you are looking to decrease stress by developing a support network, start with people who understands where you're coming from. Support comes in many forms, and it is helpful to have a variety of different resources to lean on. Helpful tips 1 Evaluate who may be helpful. 2 Join a book club. 3 Be willing to ask for help. 4 Let important people in your life know that you appreciate them. Technology plays a big role in connecting people The coronavirus pandemic is overwhelming, and one of the most excruciating parts for many people is the feeling of utter helplessness in the face of widespread suffering and hardship. Though staying inside and staying healthy are the most crucial ways to stave off this outbreak, it’s the face-to-face interactions that we yearn for, the technology just makes it all a bit easier. Technology has been fundamental in allowing people to do the things they love remotely; from online fitness classes to socialising with friends. Out of all of this, unique ways of doing the things we love have emerged through the use of technology, and people are quickly adapting themselves to this new way of living. Syncify An app to let you be social at a distance. Listen to your favourite podcasts and books together with friends and groups. Listen Live Stream audio together and chat back and forth as you have ideas. Facilitated catch-up Mark shared interests or a playlist to listen to together. When one listens to something it gets put to the top of the playlist of the other individual so they listen on the same day Discover See what others have listened to and join in. Curated playlists Journey of podcasts to teach you how to raise money or develop a growth mindset. Chat about the audio experiences as you share and learn from others' perspectives and vocalising your thoughts. Commit to taking actions by sharing your ideas. Special Guest: James Townsend.