AI used to help people access social care services

An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot called Annie is being used to help people in Bradford access adult social care services more easily.

The city council said Annie would be available at any time of the day using the messaging service WhatsApp.

It said the digital platform offers instant, multilingual assistance, supporting over 40 languages through text and voice notes.

The service connects users to trusted resources through universal websites and live directories, making it easy to find the right support at the right time, the council said.

It will offer an alternative to contacting the Independence Advice Hub (IAH) during office hours or visiting one of the council's Wellbeing Hubs.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for healthy people and places, said: "Annie represents a major step forward in making adult social care more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our communities.

"We're excited to see how this digital advisor empowers residents to find the support they need, on their terms."

People who use adult social care services in Bradford were involved in testing the software, the council said.

The authority said people using Annie should not give out any personal information and the chatbot would not ask for those details.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.