North Longford girl guides helping older people learn computer and social media skills

Irish Girl Guides have joined Vodafone Foundation’s existing charity partner, Alone, which provides a range of support to older people, including a befriending service and assistive technology, with the Hi Digital programme, aimed at helping older people learn computer and social media skills e.g. how to print pictures from their phone, how to do things online, and how to use their smartphone.

North Longford Sr Branch are actively rolling out this programme in Longford, helping older people feel comfortable with the digital age. Joining the clients of Laurel Lodge nursing home on Saturday mornings, the girls assisted in assessing the digital needs of the older person and working with them to achieve their learning outcomes.
There is also the ALONE element of the programme and the girls took to this with great gusto. Niamh L baked scones and bracks for the sessions which the clients enjoyed with a cup of tea. Clients and girls alike were treated to music and singing with Niamh G performing on the harp and Lorraine entertaining with the concertina, "Shoe the Donkey" was a great favourite.
To finish the sessions up for Christmas, the Sr Branch girls were joined by some members of Longford Ladybirds and Viking Guide units, where they entertained clients with carol singing and music.

Hi Digital is a step-by-step course designed for anyone who needs support to improve their digital skills, particularly for those who rarely access the internet. The course is split into short lessons which teach people how to access the internet, use smartphones and stay safe online. The programme aims to create a more connected community, reducing loneliness and isolation among the older population. Liz Roche, Head of Vodafone Foundation, said “We’re excited to announce our partnership with Irish Girl Guides, who join our existing charity partner, Alone, in bringing digital skills to more people across the country. The partnership is the perfect fit and natural extension of our Hi Digital programme which aims to bridge the digital divide between generations and support older people in becoming digitally independent – giving them the tools to safely explore the online world and stay connected with friends and family.”
Lorraine Mackey McHugh, CEO of Irish Girl Guides, said “Intergenerational work is a central part of the Irish Girl Guides ethos and we are delighted to partner with Vodafone Foundation to share the Hi Digital programme. One of the wonderful things about Hi Digital is that it can happen at the pace that the older person wants to go at. Our girls and volunteer leaders are eager to make that happen and help people in their community.”

If you would like the opportunity of working on the Hi Digital programme with the support of your local Senior Branch unit, please contact Mary 087 962 5890 for further information.
The Mission of the Irish Girl Guides is to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world, and the Hi-digital ALONE project definitely meets that target! Made up of Ladybirds, ages 5-7, Brownies, 7-10 years, Guides 10-14, and Senior Branch ages 14 up, Irish Girl Guides are a girl-only, non-competitive group, meeting weekly to work through our Journey programme. Through age-appropriate activities and games, girls are introduced to the outdoors, global themes, teamwork, leadership, and life skills. For more information please visit www.irishgirlguides.ie, or find us on Facebook. With units in Ardagh, Longford town and North Longford there are opportunities for all ages and for anyone wishing to volunteer with a Leadership team to guide girls on their journey, please message Joanna 086 237 2616.