STIRLING Council has announced the launch of a new digital local information sharing platform.

Developed in partnership with Glasgow-based Frog Systems, it aims to help citizens lead long, safe, happy and healthy lives.

The platform brings together health, wellbeing, social care service providers, businesses, groups and activities and visitor attractions in one single easy to use local directory for the first time in the UK.

It connects citizens with the service providers and groups within the Stirling area who provide what they require.

It also offers a powerful promotional and communication channel for the many locally run support, activity and special interest groups that might struggle to gain visibility within their communities.

Stirling Council leader, councillor Scott Farmer, said: “The development of Frog further cements Stirling’s focus on using digital and interactive technology to enhance the services that it provides its citizens and visitors alike.”

“Stirling Council is a passionate advocate of effective information sharing and of providing individuals, families and communities the information they need to help themselves.

"We want to ensure that every person within the area wishing to join a club, find a tradesman, seeking health support or simply planning a day out has easy access to current and relevant information at the click of a mouse.

"We are therefore urging all of our local service providers, businesses and visitor attractions to get a listing on Frog as soon as possible.”

Cal Dunan, CEO and founder of Frog Systems, said: “Frog has been developed on the simple premise that citizens need better connectivity within their communities and local authorities tell us that they need to signpost their communities to services and support that can help people lead long, safe, happy and healthy lives.”

The Frog platform features a care and support area that is curated by the council and is designed to provide practical solutions for the most commonly requested services.

Frog also includes the Champions Cinema which harnesses the power of peer support, by allowing people to upload and share their own personal experiences and journeys on video to help others who might find themselves in similar situations.

Local employment opportunities and a what’s-on events section will be added to the platform within the coming weeks.

Polly Rodger, integration engagement officer with Stirling Voluntary Enterprise, said: “It can be difficult for people to find information about the activities or supports that are available in their communities, making it more difficult for people to get involved in community life.

"Frog will provide the framework to share accurate, local, up to date information in one place that will enable people to connect with others in their community and across the Stirling area.”

Stirling area social care providers, support groups, local businesses and tradespeople can upload ‘listings’ onto www.stirling.frog.net with immediate effect.