Toerfaen Council secures £1.2 million of innovation funding

Torfaen Council has secured £1.2 million to develop solutions that could transform adult social care services.

This funding comes from the £20 million GovTech Catalyst programme, which aims to tackle public sector and community challenges by leveraging technology.

Businesses are now being challenged to come up with ideas that utilise big data and technology to create dynamic and responsive adult social care services.

Five of them will receive up to £50,000 for their technologies to be developed and potentially rolled out in adult social care services across the country.

Councillor Richard Clark – executive member for health, adult services and wellbeing – said: “We are delighted with our successful entry to the GovTech Catalyst Fund competition.

“The challenge we have set is a complex one but the benefits could be truly transformative in a sector where demand for services is rapidly increasing.

“We look forward to working with some of the most cutting edge technology and innovation firms to deliver a solution that could have a huge impact on how social care services are delivered in the not too distant future.”

It’s believed that the number of people aged more than 85 will double over the next 20 years, many of whom will live alone. This will put increasing demand on social care services.

Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of Torfaen Council, said: “The GovTech Catalyst gives us the opportunity to bring together some of the brightest and innovative minds from the tech industry with the passion, knowledge and expertise of our social care workers.

“The growing need for adult social care services means we have to find new ways of managing and reducing demand, increasing efficiency while providing quality services for our residents.

“If data and digital technology can be used to improve care and health outcomes for our residents, then the benefits for everyone will be significant.”