Dublin City Council is one of the many local authorities that are participating in the WiFi4EU initiative. Supported by the European Union, WiFi4EU provides free Wi-Fi access in 33 locations throughout Dublin City in partnership with Virgin Media Business. One of the Wi-Fi sites benefiting from this initiative is “Friends of the Elderly”- an Irish volunteer based charity established in 1980. With a network of 320 volunteers, the organisation aims to ease the poverty of loneliness and isolation experienced by so many older people living in Ireland today. Over 1000 older people ranging in age from 60 to 100+ are supported through home visits, friendly call services, weekly social clubs and day trips.
Challenges experienced before WiFi4EU
Before the WiFi4EU program, Friends of the Elderly had only one Wi-Fi connection which was used for staff purposes. This created difficulties around members and volunteers accessing the internet while in the building. Providing technology & Netflix movie clubs for their members presented challenges as the Wi-Fi was shared with both staff and office equipment. Credit card payments were also not accepted at their shop due to difficulty connecting to the internet for the credit card terminal.
Benefits of WiFi4EU
The WiFi4EU initiative has provided huge benefits within Friends of the Elderly to both volunteers, members and visitors.
“This is a great initiative and one which I really hope will continue”- Deborah Costello, Friends of the Elderly Fundraising & Communications Manager
Both international volunteers and interns appreciate the use of Wi-Fi so they can stay connected with family as well as complete online training.
The availability of Wi-fi has had a positive impact on events. During a hosting of a European Working Group for the International Federation of Friends of the Elderly, the Wi-Fi facilitated the use of interactive presentations through an overhead projector. Another technology workshop is planned for members in Autumn 2023. As the members love seeing themselves on screen, WiFi4EU has even encouraged them to create a new Tiktok channel to showcase the events taking place.
*Tiktok video* https://youtube.com/shorts/itsQn8P8SWY
Credit card payments are now accepted in their shop causing an increase in shop revenue which in return funds, the programmes of activity for their members. In addition, customers have an opportunity to connect to the internet. Wifi4EU has also led to new activities for members such as coffee mornings, bingo and yoga where Wi-Fi is used to play music and run bingo.
To support the Friends of the Elderly’s work to bring friendship and companionship to older people, visit their website here: https://friendsoftheelderly.ie/