Smartphone classes for older people in Clare libraries

A SERIES of smartphone classes for older people in a number of libraries across Clare will begin at the end of September. The daytime classes will take place in the libraries in Ennis, Shannon, Scariff, Kilkee and Ennistymon. The four-week programme will include a session on Zoom video conferencing and the WhatsApp platform so that participants can learn how to connect with others and how to avail of online classes and activities. The tutor-led classes will be of two hours’ duration and will take place in the mornings or afternoons. Numbers at the classes are limited due to current restrictions.

The classes are specifically for those who do not have a smartphone or have just recently received one. Karen Fennessy, Age Friendly Development Officer for Clare County Council, has advised that many older people felt isolated when cocooning during Covid-19 restrictions. Other Council staff on the Clare Covid-19 community response helpline also noted requests for service provision for older people, especially in relation to technology.

Attendees will receive Age Action ‘How to’ guides developed during Covid-19 on the use of different technologies. The classes are made possible by grant aid from the Dormant Accounts Fund and will commence during Positive Ageing Week, which takes place from September 28 to October 2 this year. Details on individual branches below for further information:

De Valera Library, Ennis

Tuesday, September 29, to Tuesday, October, 10 20.30am-12.30pm

Kilkee Library

Tuesday, September 29, to Tuesday, October 20, 2.30pm-4.30pm

Shannon Library

Wednesday, September 30, to Wednesday, October 21, 10.30am-12.30pm

Scariff Library

Thursday, October 1, to Thursday, October 22, 2.30pm-4.30pm

Ennistymon Library

Friday, October 2, to Friday, October 23, 10.30am-12.30pm

For further information and booking contact individual libraries. Funding for this programme is from the Dormant Accounts Fund. It is one of four programmes that will take place in Clare libraries during the autumn. Other programmes include a play therapy programme with Cloughleigh NS in De Valera Library, a mindfulness programme with students in Kilrush Library and a sensory programme in Scariff Library. Clare County Library will also distribute Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS) licences, a literacy software programme, to schools over the coming months, also provided by funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund. For further details on all Clare County Library events check http://www.clarelibrary.ie