The award-winning duo from GoRoadie have launched a new platform that helps vulnerable people connect automatically with approved volunteers to help them during this difficult time.
Barry White and Michael Carr from GoRoadie, have launched GetLocalSupport.org to help anyone in need so they can use the website to request someone to pick up their shopping, prescriptions, walk their dog or even to have a simple phone call.
“As we saw those around us struggle with getting help when they needed it and they didn’t know where to turn - we also realised that volunteer organisations are overrun with people wanting to help” Explains co-founder Michael Carr. “We have done similar work on GoRoadie, so we wanted to build a service that can examine requests from vulnerable people and automatically match them with the right volunteer - allowing more people to be helped and faster. “
The duo partnered with Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action (DVVA) who piloted the system with an initial 50 volunteers.
DVVA have been utilising the GetLocalSupport.org system to ensure prospective volunteers have uploaded personal identification so that they can be verified, giving peace of mind to vulnerable people using the system to find assistance. Anita Jamieson, Volunteer and Organisational Development Manager at DVVA said: “We know that this time can be unsettling for people and it can feel like it’s not clear what we can do to help. From delivering groceries to a vulnerable person or having a chat over the phone we know that volunteers can make a massive difference and we’ve been delighted to see how many Dundonians want to get involved. GetLocalSupport.org will allow even more volunteers to get involved as well as crucially more people being supported.”
The system offers a feedback mechanism so that those accessing support are able to provide feedback to GetLocalSupport.org and DVVA about how they found using the service, at any time.
This is the second product that has been built by Dundee Entrepreneurs Barry and Michael. They are also known for building GoRoadie, helping connect learner drivers with driving instructors. That venture is currently raising a seed round of investment
Dundee Volunteer & Voluntary Action
Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action is a Registered Charity (No SC000487) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (No SC093088) Registered address: 10 Constitution Road, Dundee DD1 1LL Dundee Third Sector Interface (TSI) is a partnership between Dundee Social Enterprise Network and Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action
