Athlone Community Services Hi Digital Smartphone Programme

Description

Athlone Community Services Council’s Hi Digital programme brings together older adults to work on their digital technology skills in an inclusive and respectful smartphone class environment.
Programme uses the Hi Digital website resource to take participants through a comprehensive understanding of smartphones and to try out practical exercises together to ensure that all participants know how to get the most out of their smartphones in a way that minimises frustrations and increases fun and enjoyment of this new technology.
At the end of the programme a graduation event is held and all participants are presented with the Hi Digital certificate of achievement. Referrals have come through ACSC directly, through other services, through friends and through finding the information on a poster locally.
Follow-up support is through access to the Hi Digital website which provides independent access to all subject areas covered within the sessions and through continued support available from staff at ACSC.

Aim of Initiative

The mission of Vodafone’s Hi Digital programme is to give everyone free access to the essential tools needed to become digitally independent in order to have a positive impact on practical life and mental health. Our Hi Digital programme aims to provide a positive smartphone programme for older people which builds capacity, promotes social inclusion, lessens isolation, provides opportunities for friendship building and contributes to the emotional and physical well-being of our older target group.

Who is it aimed at

Adults 65+

3 Steps critical to success

1. Staff training in Digital Champion Vodafone Hi Digital facilitation through Alone who have worked with Vodafone to create this innovative programme.
2. Engaging with potential participants through our services, older person groups such as Active Age, postering and PPN network
3. Using technology to facilitate the programme for participants

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Ensuring an accessible and safe space given the mobility and cognitive restrictions which can affect this target group
2. Fear and anxiety of participants relating to their smartphones
3. Password security features (participants often don’t know passwords as phone has been set up by a family member)

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. 34 participants to date since commencement in September 2024
2. Participants have reported they found it extremely useful to learn how to download different apps on their smartphones and stated they were “amazed” when they realised how much you can actually do using a smartphone. Participants stated that they also found the confidence not to be afraid of using their smartphone throughout the course and that this was one of the most useful and beneficial aspects of the course.
3. Alongside the benefits of learning new skills and increasing confidence while using technology participants also highlighted the group to be a brilliant opportunity for social interaction and engagement. Participants very much enjoyed their time in the group and looked forward to coming to the group each week.
   Quotes from participants who have completed the programme have included:
   ‘It alleviated the anxiety and fear of using the phone, happy to use it now, it increased my awareness of range of use and usability of the phone.’
   ‘I wouldn’t touch the phone before this started because it got very overwhelming, since starting that has changed, it’s great.’
   ‘I thought the training was very, very good, I feel less scared of the phone now, more confident.’
   ‘It has been wonderful;, building confidence and not to be afraid of it.’
   ‘Very good, very enjoyable, covered everything, company was great, very enjoyable.’
   ‘Excellent, easy information, explanations step-by-step, easy to understand, great examples.’
   ‘Found it great, very helpful, highly recommend.’