by Stephanie Casey, Vodafone Foundation in Ireland
As more everyday services move online, digital confidence has become central to participation in society. For many older people, however, the pace of change can feel overwhelming. From online banking and transport apps to booking tickets, using public services and spotting scams, the skills needed to navigate digital life safely and independently are now an important part of media literacy.
Hi Digital, Vodafone Foundation’s national digital skills programme, was created to help address this challenge. Launched in 2021 with an initial €2 million philanthropic investment, the programme supports older people, particularly those aged 65+, to build the confidence and practical skills they need to participate in an increasingly digital world.
Delivered in partnership with ALONE, Irish Girl Guides, Friends of the Elderly, Society of St Vincent de Paul and libraries nationwide, Hi Digital combines online learning with trusted, face-to-face community support. This blended model recognises that digital exclusion is not simply about access to devices or broadband. For many older adults, the biggest barrier is confidence: fear of making a mistake, concern about scams, or embarrassment about asking for help.
At the heart of the programme is HiDigital.ie, a free e-learning platform offering short, accessible lessons on practical digital skills. Topics include using a smartphone, setting up email, connecting with family and friends, managing photos, using apps, online banking, public transport, entertainment, shopping, and identifying frauds and scams. The content is designed specifically with older learners in mind, using clear language, simple navigation and bite-sized lessons that can be revisited at any time.
Just as importantly, Hi Digital meets people where they are. Through community partners, libraries and local venues, older people can access small-group and one-to-one support in familiar settings. A growing tablet loan scheme across 30 libraries also helps participants practise at home between sessions, reinforcing learning and building independence.
The programme also has a strong intergenerational element. More than 500 Irish Girl Guides have been trained as Hi Digital Champions, equipping them to support older people in their communities with everyday digital tasks. In 2025, this work was recognised with the Best Media Literacy Initiative for Older People award at the Media Literacy Ireland Awards.
Hi Digital has also expanded into participating Vodafone stores through weekly Drop-In Fridays, held every Friday from 10am to 1pm. These free, informal sessions offer face-to-face help with smartphones, apps, troubleshooting and other practical digital questions, with no appointment needed.
To further scale community-based digital inclusion, Vodafone Foundation recently launched the Hi Digital Fund, a €540,000 fund delivered in partnership with Rethink Ireland and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund. Five organisations – Roscommon Leader Partnership, Kerry Community Youth Service, University of Limerick Foundation, Rehab Group and Citizens Information Services – are now delivering local projects to reach older adults who may be excluded due to rural isolation, limited access to services or low confidence with technology.
By combining accessible learning and practical local support, Hi Digital is helping older people across Ireland stay connected, independent and empowered in a digital society.
For more information, visit hidigital.ie or call 1800 20 30 30.
