Launching early next year, the carers app will provide proactive support to unpaid carers and help streamline care processes. From uploading important health and legal files, to helping manage household bills and medication, users will be able to securely access and manage vital health and care information all from their device, making caring for someone much easier.

Unpaid carers can invite others into their ‘circle of care' such as family members, other carers and volunteers, to communicate and share information through the app. The app also integrates with wearable and home devices like Fitbit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa to control and monitor alerts such as heart rate, blood pressure, and room temperature, remotely.

In addition, Care Networx has built in a Contingency Plan function, developed for West Yorkshire ICB. This plan will link to the Yorkshire and Humber Care Record (YHCR) to allow professionals to enact contingency plans in the unexpected absence of the carer.

Kulvant Sandhu, senior programme manager for unpaid carers, personalisation and PEoLC at West Yorkshire ICB, said: ‘The development of this carers app and digital contingency plan, which will link to carers' NHS records, part of The NHS Long Term plan, will benefit many carers in our region. We plan to coproduce the content with carers and aim to launch in early 2025.'

West Yorkshire ICB covers five local authority areas - Bradford District and Craven, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield District. Its health and care landscape includes four NHS community and mental health trusts, six acute hospital trusts, six councils, three community providers, 291 GP practices and more than 442 care homes.

Alexis Twigg, founder of Care Networx, added: ‘As someone who has first-hand experience as an unpaid carer, developing the carers app is more than just a passion project – it is a necessity. Think WhatsApp, DropBox and many other permission-based collaboration platforms all in one that empowers unpaid carers with the digital tools to support a loved one, that promotes proactive care by default, and reduces stress and anxiety for all concerned- enabling access to information at the touch of a few buttons.

‘Winning the contract with West Yorkshire ICB with the support of 6b Digital, a technology consultancy, means more carers in the region will now benefit from the app. We hope that other ICBs and areas follow in the footsteps of West Yorkshire, working with us to bring proactive care technology to their regions.'

The app will be available on iPhone and Android early next year.