Skip to content

Bealtaine Festival Workshops Meaningful training for older community members preventing exclusion

Age Friendly Ireland

images

Programme: Dún Laoghaire Rathdown

WHO Theme: Communication and Information

Cost: 1000 – 5000

Status: Ongoing

Description

How it started
DLR PPN had developed a training programme to enable older learners to use digital means to communicate, addressing the issues of loneliness and isolation during Covid Lockdowns. This training departed from their normal programme as it was based on the needs of the individual within their member community groups to enable them to continue to communicate and continue to function as ‘active’ groups during that period. This programme was based on the training needs of the community identified in their 2020 Community Wellbeing Survey. They partnered with DLR CoCo and ran a Digital Skills for Beginners training programme that really was for beginners, it included WhatsApp, Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, and Using your Mobile Phone to Take Pictures and Videos.
The PPN became aware that the older members of our community did not use what some would consider as everyday means of communication, to see the frustration and to some extent, the helplessness experienced when something did not go quite right when using technology, they noticed how out of date the devices they were using were and the problems that caused. DLR PPN saw the value of their programme in that members of the community were enabled and began to attend online workshops and consultations.
How it developed
Aware that those who struggled with technology during covid are still in our community DLR PPN wanted to provide additional tailored training to support older members of the community, those who are challenged when using technology, experiencing exclusion and were not aware of what is available to them online. Training that they would find meaningful and could use daily to make it easier to access information and services and not to feel excluded.
The target audience, the older members of the DLR community, were –
1. People that learnt how to use technology during the lockdowns and are ready and interested in finding out more and
2. Others who have not been able to adapt the skills learnt during covid and apply them to other uses.
The PPN tried to source trainers who were willing to develop training programmes on the use of MyGov.ie, Paying your property tax online, Renewing your driving licence/passport online, 10 things you should know about your mobile phone. Having discussed this at a secretariat meeting they approached the DDLETB Adult Education Service South East (AES) with the germ of an idea. This fitted well with their remit to tackle Digital Literacy, they explored how they could assist in supporting the older members of our community, consulting with their trainers and staff to develop a new pilot programme of training delivered over several weeks.
DDLETB Adult Education Service South East created a bespoke pilot programme based on the suggestions and their experience and expertise in delivering training to the DLR community. They sought the assistance of DLR Libraries to participate in one of three workshops.
• How to get more from your phone,
• How to get more from your Library,
• How to use MyGov.ie.

Each free workshop was facilitated by a tutor and supported by additional staff from the Adult Education Service. A presentation was delivered and included plenty of opportunities for learners to ask questions throughout. When the presentation was complete learners were able to discuss any issues they were having individually with a member of the team. All participants were given a hard copy of the presentation and support material with additional tips and information
Inclusion
Concerned that there would be difficulty in reaching the intended audience, knowing that older members of the community were less likely to use digital media etc to source information. AES suggested that the programme was a good fit for and could be run during the Bealtaine Festival 2023, as this may be the best way to reach our audience. The courses were advertised through the AES Dundrum & Dun Laoghaire and DLR Libraries using flyers, posters and word of mouth, also on dlrppn.ie, social media and directly to the DLR PPN membership groups. Bookings were taken by two methods online and by phone.
AES provided the venue for the training in the Adult Education Centre in Dundrum Town Centre this modern facility is fully accessible, with plenty of parking and easy to get to on public transport.
The workshops were intended as inclusive events where participants could feel comfortable learning, there was a social element too as there was time for a cup of tea and a chat built into each workshop.

Aim of Initiative

We aimed to address digital exclusion mainly experienced by the older members of our community, providing tailored training to support older members of our community, those in our community who are challenged when using technology, experiencing exclusion and were not aware of what is available to them online.

Training that participants would find meaningful and could use daily to make it easier to access information and services and not to feel excluded.

Who is it aimed at

Our target audience, the older members of the DLR community, they were –
1. People that learnt how to use technology during the lockdowns and are ready and interested in finding out more
2. Others who have not been able to adapt the skills learnt during covid and apply them to other uses.

3 Steps critical to success

  1. DLR PPN members’ participation in their surveys and training created an awareness of the needs of the older members in our community, who are challenged when using technology, experience exclusion and are not aware of what is available to them online.
  2. The Adult Education Service South East listened and was willing to explore ideas and consider how best they could assist to support the older members of our community by providing tailored training based on their knowledge and experience in this area and building on the communications training provided during lockdowns.
  3. The spirit of cooperation. Adult Education Service approached DLR Libraries to give input to one of the workshops leading to the collaboration of 3 organisations in DLR to address the needs of its older community. They were DLR PPN, Adult Education Service South East and DLR Libraries.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

  1. Sourcing digital training based on the community’s needs rather than corporate training needs. At the time of development many trainers had not returned to work in this field post Covid. DDLETB AES through their relationships were able to overcome this issue.
  2. To reach the correct audience – Marketing the training to an audience that does not readily engage with digital communications. This was overcome by including the workshops as part of the Bealtaine Festival, using printed materials such as flyers and posters, in AES premises, Community Education partners locations, tutors delivering in outreach setting were encouraged to notify learners and members of the community. The Libraries services, taking registrations both online and by phone, by publishing on dlrppn.ie, and advertising on social media, mass email to the PPN membership, which includes many groups with members in the older age group such as Active Retirement, Irish Countrywomen’s Assoc. Guilds, Meals on Wheels, Bridge Clubs, Residents Associations, Mens Sheds, social inclusion organisations etc. The information on the training was circulated by DLR CoCo and Age Friendly DLR.
  3. x

3 Outcomes / Benefits

  1. Older members of the DLR community are aware that their voice is being heard and that there is a willingness to address their needs through the development of a programme of meaningful training to address digital exclusion in older learners based on their needs, delivered in a friendly and inclusive environment.
  2. Throughout the workshops, the AES spoke with the participants identifying issues they were experiencing and in response developed and are currently delivering a number of new programmes.
    AES followed up with participants that attended the workshops and wanted further support by offering a range of new 6 week courses. These courses will continue to be delivered on an ongoing basis to continue support members of our community.
    Getting the most out of your Phone, Getting the most out of your Laptop, Getting the most out of your Tablet, Over 55’s computer classes.
  3. It is hoped to build on the success of these workshops to develop further tailor-made training for the older users of technology and to run further sessions during the year.

Contact:

Email: