There are 6.4 million working carers in the UK — people who hold down a job whilst looking after somebody they love. New business Mobilise are using artificial intelligence to transform the support available to them. We sat down with Co-Founders Kyro Brooks and James Townsend to learn more.
What was the motivation for starting Mobilise?
Kyro: I’ve been caring for my mum for the last 20 years, which means I’ve got a real sense of the incredible strain it can place on a carer’s mental health and wellbeing. It’s a really big part of my life, but there’s not really very much support out there that worked for me. Many carers are isolated, overwhelmed and feel unsupported so I’m hoping that through Mobilise we can change that.
Many carers are isolated, overwhelmed and feel unsupported so I’m hoping that through Mobilise we can change that.
James: What carers like Kyro do is amazing, and so often you just don’t realise what’s going on. It’s only since a couple of my friends and family members have become carers that I’ve realised just how much it takes over your life. And yet there are so many people (6.4 million) who are caring for somebody *and* holding down a job as well. It’s extraordinary.
How much potential is there for a business like Mobilise?
James: So there’s about 8 million carers in the UK alone, and estimates say their contribution is worth around £160 million per year — so this is a pretty significant group of people who just aren’t being talked about enough. But we’re focusing on the 600 carers who drop out of work every day because they don’t have enough support to manage both their caring role and their job. Not only do those carers need more support, this is costing employers about £5.3 billion per year.
We’re focusing on the 600 carers who drop out of work every day because they don’t have enough support to manage both their caring role and their job. Not only do those carers need more support, this is costing employers about £5.3 billion per year.
Kyro: Over the next few years, this is going to become an even bigger issue. Every year a further 2 million people become carers. They are currently under-served, and the latest tech provides an opportunity to address that.
What makes Mobilise different from other players in the market?
Kyro: Current support for carers is largely provided by local charities. Both of us have a background in the charity sector so we know the incredible work that charities do for their communities, but also know the limitations that they face. That’s why we’re working really closely with the existing organisations to see how technology can reach carers who currently aren’t able to access that support.
James: Both of us are excited by the opportunity to launch a business that creates real impact but also generates income so that we can accelerate our growth and reach. The technology that’s available today enables us to tailor our support much more effectively than has been possible previously.
What has been the biggest challenge so far?
James: Helping carers realise that they are carers! For many people they do the role because they love the person they care for, and they don’t necessarily see themselves as a carer. So even if they’re putting in up to 20 hours a week, they’ll still say “I’m not a carer, I’m just looking after my mum”.
Kyro: We are looking at some interesting ways to help us identify these people, building on some of the great research that has been done around particular life ‘moments’ and behaviours that can indicate a caring role, like picking up someone else’s prescription.
What have you found most surprising so far?
James: The incredible generosity of carers. So many have offered us amazing support and guidance. They have been so willing to share their experiences to ensure others don’t have to face the same challenges unsupported. We’re both the kind of people who like building a bit of a community, so it’s been great fun to put the knowledge and experience of carers right at the heart of our business.
Kyro: Putting together our podcast ‘Who Cares Wins’ has taught me how often people use humour to talk about really difficult issues. Sometimes caring can be emotionally tough, and some really dark stuff comes up so it’s surprising how often we end up laughing about things because it’s the only way to talk about it!
We’re always looking to grow our community. Sign-up for our mailing list if you’d like to keep in touch: https://mailchi.mp/cc098f3f05b6/mobilise
Mobilise Co-Founders James Townsend and Kyro Brooks
