The London Borough of Sutton has been shortlisted for the Digital Impact Award at the 2025 LGC Awards, recognising its commitment to transforming adult social care through AI-powered, preventative technology-enabled care (TEC).

In partnership with assistive technology providers Access TEC and Medequip Connect, Sutton has modernised traditional telecare. Its service has shifted from reactive to proactive, sensor-based digital technology that enhances independence, supports unpaid carers, and enables greater independence, while reducing pressure on health and social care services.

At the heart of this initiative is the Access Assure Home Hub, which uses activities of daily living sensors and AI to evidence wellbeing and detect changes in routine that may indicate emerging health concerns.

The system ensures timely interventions, whether through welfare checks, Medequip’s rapid 45-minute TEC responder service, or escalation to the NHS two-hour Urgent Community Response pathway.

Since launching in August 2023, Sutton reports the programme has prevented over 1,000 ambulance callouts and supported residents to live independently by enabling early interventions that can reduce the risk of falls and hospital admissions.

Now, Sutton is preparing to expand the TEC service across Sutton Housing Partnership’s independent living schemes, reaching more than 500 additional residents with this innovative approach.

Beyond the technology, Sutton has pioneered a co-branded community shop, providing a hands-on space where residents, families, and professionals can explore TEC in action. Positioned near key local services, the shop fosters engagement, supports training, and offers private-pay options for early intervention, making TEC more accessible to the community.

Andy Sparkes, Managing Director of Access TEC, said: “This recognition highlights how digital innovation, when implemented with care and collaboration, can transform lives.

“Sutton’s forward-thinking approach is setting a new standard for proactive, preventative care—keeping residents safer, families reassured, and professionals empowered.

“We’re incredibly proud to support this programme and look forward to expanding its impact even further.”

The LGC Awards celebrate excellence in local government, recognising projects that deliver real-world change. Winners will be announced on 11 June 2025 at Grosvenor House in London.

Sarah Calkin, LGC editor, commented on the awards: “We received almost 1,000 entries to the LGC Awards 2025, making it another record-breaking year and meaning all those on the shortlist should be extremely proud to have made the cut.

“A huge thank you to our judging panels of senior council officers who have tirelessly sifted through all the entries on top of extremely demanding day jobs.”