Digital Smartphone Project

Description

Clare OPC accessed a small grant of €3k through the CSS scheme and bought 40 smartphones from Vodafone. These were distributed to those in need through the Family Resource Centres around the county. Clare AF Programme assisted by writing to the Family Resource Centres around the county who were offering befriending services and asked them to identify those who were socially isolated and in need of a phone to connect with others. Clare AF Programme also supported the project by:- 1) Developing a ‘Keeping Connected’ booklet that went with each phone and incorporated the Age Action Getting Started Guides as well as other useful information. 2) Negotiated a Corporate data plan deal with Vodafone that already existed for Council employees but has now been extended to Age Friendly Groups.

Aim of Initiative

It was aimed at older people living in rural isolation as well as living in social & financial deprivation. We felt the Family Resource Centres were best placed to identify these people.

Who is it aimed at

It was aimed at older people living in rural isolation as well as living in social & financial deprivation. We felt the Family Resource Centres were best placed to identify these people.

Steps critical to success

1. Identify the right people in need
2. The supporting booklet & training (provided by the libraries)
3. A cheap data plan that would not burden older people financially

Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Getting the best rate for phones to purchase as many as possible with the funding we had
2. Identifying the right people in need especially in the case of over subscription to the scheme
3. Negotiation of cheap data plan is crucial. The cheapest deal we did was still €18/month which may be too much for some people

Outcomes / Benefits

1. We developed the keeping Connected booklet for the project but have since distributed it far & wide to other older people
2. Social connection for the people who received the phones who were able to join online classes
3. Negotiated data plan was extended to other older groups who are benefiting from the saving