Broome Lodge Residents receive new computer tablets

In an increasingly digital world, computer literacy is vital for accessing supports and services, and for keeping in touch with friends and family. However, only 71% of people over the age of 50 have internet access in their homes, with just 64% having access to a smartphone or tablet computer. This decreases among older age-groups – only 30% of those aged 80+ have access to a smartphone or tablet.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy, visited Clann’s Broome Lodge scheme in Cabra on 22 May to officially launch the roll-out of computer tablets for residents.

This programme, which will provide Acorn computer tablets to Clann schemes around Leinster, will support more Clann residents to get online, giving them greater access to information, services and ways to communicate with others. The tablets will be available for residents to borrow for use in Clann communal spaces, and all information is wiped from the tablets after each use. In addition to the Clann Scheme Managers, who provide assistance and support, residents will be able to access resources on using the Acorn tablets and staying safe online.

The Acorn tablets use software specifically designed for older people, and the clear and simple interface makes it easy for users to get online. The software is designed by Dublin-based company Origin Care Group, which specialises in age-friendly digital solutions.

The programme is funded by the Housing Finance Agency’s Social Investment Fund, which supports projects that complement housing schemes and nurture community development. More than €240,000 in total was awarded under the SIF last year and the Acorn computer tablet programme at Broome Lodge was one of 12 initiatives to receiving funding.

Karin Ahlers, resident of Killarney Court, another Clann scheme that has benefitted from the tablet programme, said: “Once the set-up was done it was very easy to use. I like the layout – the keys and fonts are big enough to read and understand. The videos are straightforward. I highly recommend using the Acorn tablet. I think all older people should have access to wifi.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “Social housing is about so much more than bricks and mortar – it’s about providing a secure base so residents can live their lives and expand their horizons. It’s great to be here today to see how the residents of Broome Lodge are using these Acorn tablets to learn new skills, get online and take advantage of new opportunities. I’m sure that Clann residents all over the country will benefit greatly from increased internet access.”

Chief Executive of the Housing Finance Agency, Barry O’Leary, stated, “We have seen in recent years how important computer literacy skills are, particularly when it comes to accessing services or staying connected with friends and family. The HFA are proud to have provided funding for this initiative through our Social Investment Fund and we are delighted to join residents at Broome Lodge today for the launch. I want to pay credit to Clann and Clúid for their strong commitment, not just to providing homes, but to building supportive communities around their residents.”

We wish everyone involved in the trial all the best and hope these new tablets will offer our ‘silver surfers’ another option to find information, pay bills and access services.

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