On 24 February 2026, Peterborough City Council in Cambridgeshire launched an upgraded digital platform to provide around-the-clock support for unpaid carers. This new service uses artificial intelligence to offer real-time coaching and wellbeing plans to thousands of residents who look after family or friends.
Local people can access the help at any time of day or night through a website, mobile phone, or WhatsApp. The system includes digital coaches named Bridgit for adults and Willow for young carers who provide guidance on care decisions and emotional support.
This version is an update to a tool first introduced to the area in 2024 to find people who provide care but are not registered with local services. Data from the 2021 Census shows that nearly nine percent of residents in the region are unpaid carers, including more than ten percent of older adults.
The council worked with the Bridgit Care social enterprise and the Caring Together Charity to set up the platform. The goal is to help carers manage their own health and daily tasks while making it easier for them to find local advice without waiting for office hours.
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