This site is no longer maintained
This website should only be accessed for School Messenger, SIS or planning agents information.

Please return to the Cornwall Council Website

TEC Grant Scheme

The Technology Enabled Care Grant Scheme (TEC Grant Scheme) runs from time to time. There are no current schemes running.  Cornwall Council social media accounts will have promotions for any future schemes. 

Aims of a TEC Grant Scheme 

Continue reading
It looks to show focus and impact around the following themes:
  • A transition from Children’s to Adults’ Systems of health and social care
  • ‘In-flight’ work in the local Health and Social Care system
  • ‘New to Cornwall’ types of TEC to improve the suite of TEC offered 
  • TEC that will impact on demand pressures for the health and social care system in Cornwall
Previous successful applicants 
There were four successful applicants in the TEC Grant Scheme 2018/2019.
 
The TEC Grant Committee considered all the applications in detail. This was against the criteria and requirements outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Grant Scheme.  The number of applications in Round 1 exceeded the amount of Grant monies available. The TEC Committee had to make difficult decisions. 
 
The committee considered each application - its merits; how it met the criteria; as well as in relation to the other applications.  Only the very strong applications were successful. 

Age UK Social Isolation with Amazon Echo project

This project focusses on people who are at risk of being socially isolated, for example after a spell in hospital. They could have an Echo Spot in their home to allow them to communicate with a loved one, in a different way.
 
Age UK wants to test if people could use technology in a variety of ways. This included making video calls and setting reminders. It can also access Cornwall link, the Age UK information portal, as well as other resources at home.

University of Plymouth Smart Speakers into Cornish Care Homes project 

This project is about using technology to support care home residents to live happy and healthy lives. Using voice activated devices in everyday activities to test if they can be meaningful and enriching for residents.
 
It can release time to care. It can also help with activities that may have been difficult for Carers to coordinate.
 
The University of Plymouth is exploring the use of Alexa devices with residents and staff. This is to see how their use in real life environments. It could be age-appropriate music selection; taking part in quizzes.
Or use in a group activity such as baking along to vocalised recipes. Another possible use is for scheduled reminders for residents or residents' questions. The Echo Spot has a screen to display text and video calls for friends and family to help stay in touch.
Why spend on Technology Enabled Care?

The overarching Cornwall vision is to create a sustainable and prosperous Cornwall that is resilient and resourceful.  A place where communities are strong and where the most vulnerable are protected. Adult Health and Care Managers face huge challenges including:

  1. Manage increased demand and increased complexity within the limited and stretched resources available
  2. Responding appropriately and proportionately to people’s changing expectations of public services.  We must respond differently if we are to continue to improve outcomes for the people who use our services.
 
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is a key enabler for Adult Health and Social Care. This is because it can help address these challenges. 

The aim is for TEC to become a fully embedded part of the service offer by Adult Social Care. This will help promote independence and keep people at home and in their communities for longer.  

Find out more about the broader TEC agenda for the Council on the Technology Enabled Care page.