|
|
- What is CLICK?
CLICK - Computer Literacy Informing Carers Knowledge - aims to link, inform and support carers who are isolated because they live in rural areas, or who live in urban communities but are isolated because of their caring role.
It provides a support group ‘on-line’ giving carers information, social interaction and support by linking them via e-mail, or through MSN messenger service, as a viable alternative to attending regular support group meetings, which can be difficult for some people.
- Who can join?
CLICK is available to anyone with a caring responsibility.
Carers may use their own PC or apply to loan one of the limited number available through CLICK. PCs for loan are only available to hands-on carers.
- How do you join?
Carers who express an interest in joining this support group on-line will be sent this Information Sheet together with an application form.
Any carer wishing to become a member should return the completed form to the CLICK co-ordinator at Carers Together who will arrange contact with the applicant to discuss their involvement
When a PC is ready for issue, IT support will then check details of their technical requirements and agree a time for installation and support.
Click on the links to the left for an application form, a PC loan form and a CLICK leaflet
- What does it include?
Support includes:
- Basic instruction on the use of the PC and access to the Internet
- Guidance on how to write e-mails 'off-line' and how to log-on to send them
- How to download and save emails received to read later, reducing costs to the carer
- A limited amount of further tuition time may also be available if required.
- An email or telephone 'help line' is available for any queries
- All training is free to carers
Carers who loan a Personal Computer from Carers Together.
If a Carer takes a PC on loan, it will be delivered and installed at a mutually convenient time, and will come complete with the necessary hardware and software which, depending on availability, will normally include:
- PC with appropriate software normally including: Windows 98 (or similar), Office 97 (or similar), Adobe Acrobat Reader, Norton Antivirus
- Keyboard, Monitor, Speakers and sound card if available for the PC, Modem, Mouse and Printer
- Connection to an approved ISP and an email address will be arranged by CT prior to delivery
- Any technical problems with the PC on loan must be reported to IT support, who will log the problem and advise on the necessary action. It may be necessary to contact the Internet Service Provider or to recall the PC for repair.
Carers who use their own Personal Computers.
Carers who have their own Computers are welcome to join CLICK and are able to access limited support and advice on how to use their own equipment. They will also have access to a copy of 'How to do it', which is a basic simple guide, in plain language, to using emails and Windows, especially for beginners.
- What is the catch?
Hopefully there is no ‘catch’. The aim is to provide an on-line support network to enable carers to ‘chat’ to others who understand the frustrations involved in being a Carer. However CLICK will not fund the telephone calls or ‘on-line’ costs incurred by members. The initial supply of printer ink will be provided but subsequent refills are the user’s responsibility.
- Minimum requirements for membership
The minimum requirements are:
- Members are required to send at least one group email per month preferably during an agreed weekend in the month.
- Members are expected to attend a get together at least once per year.
- Members to provide telephone access, an electricity supply with a surge protector and suitable desk or table to hold the PC.
- Members are required to maintain and regularly update the anti-virus software loaded on their PC. This not only protects the PC they are using, but also protects the people in their address book from receiving viruses from them. There is a small annual cost for this (less than £20 pa)
- Main principles of the group
- The group consists of carers and former carers, that is carers ‘talking’ to carers. The carers can be hands on, or distance carers, if they own their own PC, but the PCs available to loan from CLICK are normally only available to hands-on carers.
- CLICK members will be given the email addresses of all the other carers who have joined, together with the care group in which they are involved i.e. mental health, physical disability, and the area of the County in which they live.
- Carers are free to share other personal information within the group if they wish, but are required to keep the information learned about each other
totally confidential and within the group. No details are to be passed to anyone else outside the group unless the person concerned has given specific permission. No emails shared between members are to be passed to anyone outside the group. (To avoid the 'Spire' syndrome)
- All members are required to communicate at least monthly, (preferably more often), with other members in a general note as would happen in a face-to-face support group.
- Members are free to communicate with each other on general or specific topics as they wish in addition to the regular monthly group communication.
- Any other use of the Internet is entirely optional to the individual Carer.
- Members of the CLICK network are expected to attend a get-together at least once a year. Usually at least two meetings are held each year to enable members to meet face to face with other carers in the group. Any necessary respite costs and travel claims will be available to enable people to attend.
- If the individual ceases to be a hands-on Carer, or if they no longer wish to be part of the group, they should inform the CLICK coordinator. If they have a PC on loan it will need to be returned to enable another hands-on Carer to take part in the network. However this is negotiable in extenuating circumstances.
|
