Join Us

MATCH Activities

MATCH is a collaboration with the role of developing computing and communications technologies for use in the care sector. The primary objectives of MATCH are:

• research and development of technologies for supporting care in the home
• helping people to live independently in their own homes for longer
• knowledge exchange among care providers, care users, technology providers and researchers.

To achieve these aims, MATCH is extending its existing collaborative work to include activities such as:

• fostering communication through a web forum and live networking events
• provision of training and distance learning materials
• publication of newsletters and technology updates.

Becoming A Member

In November 2009, MATCH entered a new phase in which its work was extended to a broader base of participants. Links have also been strengthened among technologies to support both social care and health care.

Please contact us if you are interested in finding out more about joining MATCH.

Membership of the MATCH consortium is free to any eligible organisation. A charge may be made for attendance at events in order to cover costs. You are invited to join the new and extended programme of activities. MATCH will be particularly relevant to the following kinds of organisations:

Companies

Companies are developing a range of products to help people live independently at home. MATCH can contribute towards future product development by sharing the advanced research it has already carried out, and by learning from companies what new research needs to be done. Some research may be too advanced, speculative or long-term for companies to consider. This is particularly where MATCH can help.

Universities

MATCH aims to be the point of contact between the wider user base and Universities carrying out research in home care technology. We are open to new academic members who wish to join the founder Universities (Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling). If you carry out research with the aim of improving care at home, we would love to have you join us.

Care Providers

Technology is of little benefit unless it is adopted and used. If it is not used, this may be because it is unsuitable or due to a lack of awareness by potential users. MATCH engages with care providers and the receivers of care to ensure that, when new technologies are developed, they address real needs in an effective and usable manner. MATCH also aims to increase the awareness and understanding of care technologies by those who might benefit from it. We can tell you about the latest developments in home care technology. You can also contribute to the direction of future research on these technologies.

Care Users

It is important to give a voice to end users of home care technology and their informal carers. They need to understand what technology can (and cannot) do to help them. They should have the opportunity to shape future research in home care technology. MATCH therefore welcomes organisations representing groups of end users (e.g. charities or patient organisations). Note that MATCH does not normally have individuals as members, though individuals can certainly register to receive newsletters and to be notified of future events.