Help our neighbours get online

Help our neighbours get online!

  During this time, many of us couldn’t use technology to make things a little better. Think of the grandparents who would love to see their grandchildren on a video-call, the family trying to access education and training, and the group leader who wants to organise a meeting online?   Kildare COVID-19 Community Response Forum wants to help our communities get online   What can we do?   1. Local Groups can be Digital Champions     You can be Digital Champions for your neighbours by providing the encouragement that is essential to getting online. Talk to people in the community who have the digital skills to help others and identify people locally who would like to avail of this help. Please use the contact details for Conor or the PPN at the bottom to let us know your plans and if you need support.   Age Action has produced a Getting Started Kit which includes videos on topics like how to download apps to your Smartphone, how to use WhatsApp or FaceTime, which you can use and share.   Download Getting Started Kit Here      2. Access to Equipment and the Internet    ALONE have a limited quantity of Vodafone call credit vouchers available for older people who are pay as you go customers and are incurring extra costs now but this could also be used to help with the cost of monthly SIM cards in tablet devices where there isn’t broadband in the home. You can ring ALONE at 0818 222 024. 8am-8pm daily and ask for one of these vouchers.   Some people do not have a digital device already or suitable internet access. Reputable suppliers can provide advice and refurbished second-hand equipment is available. But for some people the cost of purchasing a device or getting online may be a barrier.   If this is a problem in your community, if you need training or if your group is going to help others get online, then let us know by contacting   Conor O’Leary, Community Champion and Community Alert Development Officer, Muintir na Tire 086-6000753 or conor@muintir.ie   or   Kildare PPN 045 980700 or email kildareppn@gmail.com.