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A new App that aims to radically improve critical care for families caring for loved ones is due to launch in the UK next spring. StrokeCare is an App which…
A new App that aims to radically improve critical care for families caring for loved ones is due to launch in the UK next spring.
StrokeCare is an App which helps families of those who have suffered from stroke to care for their loved ones and aid with the rehabilitation process launch.
The App improves patient outcomes by teaching family members how to help with care tasks and to help sufferers to relearn self-care. This gives families greater participation in the rehabilitation process. The App has already had success in Spain.
The development of a UK version of StrokeCare is being supported by a bespoke accelerator offering tech-driven social entrepreneurs the opportunity to receive £30,000 in funding and powerful business connections they need to realise positive social change.
The accelerator programme brings together a unique partnership between: Dotforge – a commercial accelerator for tech-driven companies, Key Fund – the biggest regionally based social investor operating across the North of England, and The RSA – the globally recognised organisation which is catalysing social impact through their international fellowship.
With over £1 million in funding from the Social Incubator Fund which is managed by the Big Lottery Fund for the Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office, Dotforge Impact is running two accelerator programmes in 2015.
Sam Tarff, CEO of Key Fund, said: “Key Fund has over a decades’ experience creating successful Social Enterprises across the North of England, and we’re passionate about tapping into the power of technology and emerging tech entrepreneurs to use digital innovations for lasting and positive social impact.”
StrokeCare was conceived when founder David Pedroche’s brother suffered from a debilitating stroke three years ago. This life-changing event demonstrated to David that there were things that he could do to help his brother; things that could easily be done by family members given the correct instructions.
David said: “After my brother became ill, I remember feeling like our lives had changed in the blink of an eye. I remember the day my brother learned how to put a t-shirt on by himself. A nurse had shown him how two days before, explaining the process exactly with easy steps. Being able to dress himself was a great boost for my brother’s confidence. Putting on a t-shirt when you have brain damage can be easy once you understand how. However, families don’t have the skill set that nurses to do help loved ones with tasks like these. I realised that people could learn how to help stroke sufferers with a simple video. On that day, the idea for StrokeCare was born.”
Emily Hill, Programmes Coordinator at Dotforge, said: “StrokeCare was born out of the founders own experiences which brings a huge amount of passion to the product that they are building. There are many opportunities for StrokeCare’s app-based solution to improve the critical care process by better supporting families who play a major part in the care and recovery process of their loved ones.”
Emily added: “We are going to help the teams in the accelerator programme build their business relations, grow their customer base and networks, including investors’. In partnership with the Key Fund and The RSA we will be focusing our teams on solving the real issues in our world today by ensuring that they work alongside their customers as they develop. Our world-class mentor community will be on hand throughout the whole programme offering the teams their industry-relevant insight and expertise.”
Applications are now open for the second accelerator programme which commences in October 2015; applicants will receive £30,000 convertible investment with access to further funds following successful development of their enterprise.
http://social.dotforgeaccelerator.com/
@dotforgeimpact
For more information please contact:
Emily Hill, Dotforge Impact
emily@dotforgeaccelerator.com
07775711106
For Media Enquiries, please contact
Clair@causeuk.com
07531948014
Dotforge: Dotforge is a commercial, 3 month accelerator for early stage software companies. The programme is delivered by Traction Central Ltd a company established by local entrepreneurs in Sheffield to support up and coming new businesses. The programme structure is based on similar models developed in the USA which provide early stage teams with access to small amounts of investment, mentoring by local, national and international business leaders to fast track technology businesses to investment and growth, including:
After the initial three months, ventures will have access to a further six months of resources to help them scale their ventures, including office space, fund raising and sales support and access to a further investment pot of £500,000 to support further growth over a two year plus period.