Vodafone Ireland has today launched a dedicated smartphone helpline to support older members of our society who are alone, in isolation or cannot see family and friends. In partnership with ALONE, an organisation that supports older people in Ireland, Vodafone Ireland’s new helpline, the smartphone support line for older people, will provide one-to-one technology support and advice for older smartphone users on any network
The helpline will ensure that those over the age of 70 are provided with the technological skills and dedicated support so they can continue to stay connected to others as Ireland’s transitions into a ‘new normal’.
Before COVID-19, Vodafone retail stores facilitated smartphone classes in local communities across the country, with demand for places extremely high. While the physical classes have been suspended, the hope is that the new Smartphone support line for older people will continue to offer some advice and support to those who may need it most.
The helpline will see Vodafone’s expert team of retail professionals provide guidance on how to navigate handset menus, connect to the internet/WIFI, make phone and video calls, set up WhatsApp, email and social media accounts on a smartphone.
The helpline is available any smart phone user over the age of 70 regardless of their network provider and can be accessed from Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. The service can be availed of by simply dialling the freephone number to be put in touch with a retail agent who will support the caller through any questions they may have about the functionality of their device.
In March, Vodafone Ireland partnered with ALONE and donated 1,000 new smartphones to support older members of our society, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones and giving them access to online services while cocooning. Since the partnership, Vodafone and ALONE have gained a deeper understanding of what digital support older smartphone users require, which has led to the development of this smartphone support helpline for the older members of our community.
Timothy O’Halloran, from Cork commented, “I am very happy to have received my first smartphone from Vodafone. I love sport and I’m really missing it on TV, but I’m getting to grips with the internet and have been able to watch some archive sports on YouTube. I was never brilliant with technology, but I guess this shows you are never too old to learn something new once given the chance.”
Speaking about this new support service, Liz Roche, Head of Foundation at Vodafone Ireland said: “At Vodafone, our goal is to ensure that everyone, including those who may be vulnerable or isolated, stay connected in these difficult times. In particular, we aim to provide support and assistance to those who may not be equipped with the necessary digital skills to stay connected with family and friends and with essential services. Through the new Vodafone smartphone support line for older people, we hope to instil confidence in those who are new to smartphones use by allowing them to stay connected and maintain some normality as we navigate through this pandemic. We are very happy to be working with ALONE for this service and appreciate their ongoing commitment to ensuring those in need are receiving the support they need”.
Customers can access the Smartphone Support Line For Older People , freephone on 01 873 1166 from Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. For more information see www.vodafone.ie.
