HelpMate's January 22 Update
Welcome to HelpMate’s January update!
This newsletter goes through everything that has been happening with HelpMate and how we’re approaching our mission to alleviate carer burden and empower those living with dementia to retain their independence.
Where we’ve been focusing
Releasing and iterating our first product to the dementia community: After some anticipation, we are finally live and have released our very first content product - a post-diagnosis Action Plan 💜 After speaking to caregivers, it was clear that after receiving a diagnosis, many are overwhelmed and struggling to navigate their journey. And that is where our Action Plan comes in. Our vision for this product is to be the very first source of information for new caregivers, by providing them with a personalised plan - whether it’s legal or admin tasks, or finding assistive tech that is suitable to them. Even better, it’s free.
It doesn’t just end with the action plan. We understand that this is just the very step in a caregiver’s journey. That’s why we have been laying the groundwork for releasing a more comprehensive product in 2022, so make sure to keep an eye out for more info 👀
The good, the bad, and the ugly
Good:
Releasing our content product, and distributing it to 20 users in a short timeframe 🎉
Bad:
Falling behind on our user interview goals: We’ve realised that engaging with our target demographic of users is harder than we initially anticipated, and is something we need to focus on in the upcoming month
Struggling to obtain feedback: Similarly, it’s been difficult to engage with a lot of users who have tested our content product
Ugly:
Due to some personal circumstances, we’ve had a departure from our team (continue reading) 💔
Our focuses over the next month
Engaging users more successfully and doubling down on user interviews
Spreading awareness and reach of our Action Plan product via paid channels
Putting together an advisory board to ensure all products are co-designed with medical professionals, caregivers and people living with dementia
Our Asks
Again, if you know anyone in the dementia space, especially GPs, or new caregivers - warm intros are always appreciated 🙏
And lastly...
Because of personal circumstances, I'll be leaving HelpMate.
The time I spent with this team has been some of the most rewarding work of my life.
We moved fast, communicated well, and showed up every day with empathy and effort.
I'm confident that the HelpMate team could push through any obstacle they set their minds to and the coming years are sure to be magical.
I'd like to thank all of the clinicians, people living with dementia, and carers who let us into their world and gave us the chance to help. It took vulnerability and heart, I'm grateful to have heard your stories.
And of course, I'd like to thank Renee, Pia, Aryan, and Darren. I love you all ❤️
Warm regards, Michael
And that is all for today! Until next time 😁
Pia, Aryan, Darren and Renee from Helpmate 💜