Vodafone Ireland Foundation highlights its Hi Digital online digital skills learning platform ahead of Christmas with help from Late Late Toy Show Favourites Nanny Pat Corcoran and Tom Cullen
15th December 2021: The importance of digital literacy has become very apparent over the past two years and according to research conducted by Vodafone Ireland Foundation, a quarter (25%) of the Irish public say their older relatives’ digital skills are poor or very poor*. It was also found that 79% agreed they would feel more connected to their older relatives if their digital skills were improved.
Hi Digital, developed by Vodafone Ireland Foundation, alongside Active Retirement Ireland and ALONE, is an online learning platform aimed at those over the age of 65. Hi Digital provides bite-size lessons organised around key digital themes, including the basics of internet access and how to use online devices; an essential guide to apps and features that can enhance daily life and combat isolation.
In Ireland, digital literacy levels of those over 65 years old are among the lowest in Europe. The pandemic has exacerbated this problem as it saw more communities and services move online at an unprecedented rate. As well as an ability to connect to essential services, a lack of digital skills can lead to isolation. 79% of those polled agreed they would feel more connected to their older relatives if they had the ability to use digital technology such as a smartphone or tablet, allowing generations to connect and share experiences.
The Hi Digital platform has been created for beginners and supports self-learners as well as those helping older people get online through its mentor guide. With 86% of those surveyed willing to mentor an older relative or friend on digital skills, the festive season marks the perfect time to make a start as families gather over the coming weeks.
Helping raise awareness of Hi Digital this Christmas are Pat Corcoran, affectionately known as Nanny Pat, and Tom Cullen from Co. Leitrim, who captured the nations hearts during their appearance on The Late Late Toy Show in 2019. The following year, after the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, Nanny Pat joined Ryan Tubridy once more on the Late Late Show via Skype, much to Tom’s surprise.
Speaking on the initiative, Pat said “It is easy to become isolated during these difficult times and being able to connect with my family and friends online has made a huge difference. Getting better with technology can seem like a big hill to climb but learning skills bit by bit has helped me and of course, my family are always here to support whenever they can. Hi Digital is a great initiative for those taking their first steps into digital learning, I can say hand on heart, it’s something you won’t regret.”
Communicating remotely is something that has become second nature to many of us so it’s no surprise learning how to make a video call is the top skill the Irish public would like to teach their older relatives (50%), closely followed by using a smartphone (48%), sending a text message (34%) and getting online to browse the internet (30%). Topics covered through Hi Digital’s online course include understanding smartphone features, keeping in touch through WhatsApp and social media, planning trips, researching interests and hobbies, online shopping as well as educating on online safety.
Liz Roche, Head of Vodafone Ireland Foundation said, “Hi Digital’s mission is to give people over 65 access to free, online digital training, supporting them to build confidence and skills. Through our commitment to this programme, we want to change older people’s attitude and behaviour towards technology. We know improving digital literacy skills of older people can have a positive impact on quality of life, and overall mental health and wellbeing by keeping people connected. As many of us spend time with loved ones over the Christmas period, there is a great opportunity to share our knowledge with those who struggle with digital literacy. Hi Digital has been developed as a 360° approach to digital upskilling, covering a wide range of topics from understanding smartphone features, to social media, researching interests and hobbies and online safety, arming everyone with the tools they need to remain connected.”
People can participate in the programme online at HiDigital.ie with further face-to-face training to be rolled out next year.
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
Service Manager
Kevin White
089 409 0549
Balbriggan, Skerries & Lusk
Vacant
0818 222 024
St. Margaret”s, Finglas & Glasnevin
Maura O’Shea
0818 222 024
Telephone Support Coordinator
Michael Kennedy
086 440 2894
Telephone Support Coordinator
Jacob Shakespeare
Telephone Support Coordinator
Anne Marie mc Allister
086 440 7825
Telephone Support Officer
Vacant
0818 222 024
Telephone Support Officer
Sharon McManus
0818 222 024
Telephone Support Officer
Vacant
0818 222 024
Service Manager
Greg O’Reilly
083 385 1221
North Meath & Ardee
Paula Boyce
0818 222 024
East Meath
John Stillman
0818 222 024
Location tbc
Vacant
0818 222 024
Telephone Support Coordinator
Anne Murphy
086 035 3904
Volunteer Support Officer
Frances Sheerin
086 108 5965
National Support Line Coordinators
National Support Line Coordinators
National Support Line Coordinators
National Support Line Coordinators
Aoife Callaghan
Sarah kerr
Aoife Callaghan
Bridgeen Coyle
086 032 6801
087 179 3782
086 032 6801
086 014 6732
Service Manager
Natalie Johnson
083 062 5854
South Dublin Inner City
Vacant
0818 222 024
Rathfarnham, Knocklyon & Ballyboden
Vacant
0818 222 024
Newcastle, Citywest & Saggart
Joe Sullivan
0818 222 024
Northwest Kildare
Annemarie Molloy
Patricia Scanlon
086 013 7256
Service Manager
Shelby Unger
083 060 2419
Volunteer Support Officer
Grainne Kennedy
086 108 2524
Volunteer Support Officer
Vacant
0818 222 024
Service Manager
Lola Fitzgibbon
086 084 1360
Southwest Wexford
Natalia Gembicka
086 014 4915
Service Manager
Siobhan Walsh
086 084 1674
Northeast Cork
Vacant
0818 222 024
Central Cork
Veronica Reidy
Clare Seymour
086 075 3867
086 107 9433
Telephone Support Coordinator
Geraldine Commins
086 013 1570
Volunteer Support Officer
Mairead Egan
087 253 1380
Volunteer Support Officer
Maria O’Connor
Volunteer Support Officer
Tracey Kearney
086 440 9893
Service Manager
Martina Kinane
087 407 4085
Caroline Bradley
West Limerick
Margaret Collum
Volunteer Support Officers
Aoife Dennehy
086 211 5307
Volunteer Support Officers
Vacant
0818 222 024
Service Manager
Ciaran Gilligan
083 878 6080
Service Manager
Frances Browne
087 751 6087
Inishowen (CHN Learning Site)
Bronagh Doyle
086 171 6984
Inishowen (CHN Learning Site)
Gráinne Hargan
West Donegal
Emma Kennedy
086 720 8686
Donegal inishowen
Vacant
0818 222 024
Telephone Support Coordinator
Deirdre Browne
074 932 1598
Telephone Support Coordinator
Catherine Reilly
National Support & Referral Line Coordinator
Kathleen Bonner