How we’re helping older generations navigate the digital world with Hi Digital

Making our world a kinder place

Laura O'Brien

I see the impact we’re having every week! Just the other day I was sent a note about a customer who’d travelled three hours to Dublin on a bus, had an issue with his phone and couldn’t contact his family, and ended up in a Vodafone store getting help to not only fix it, but learn what happened so it wouldn’t happen again.

The relationships being formed are genuinely heart-warming to see as well. We joke that we have surrogate grandchildren working in our stores! They get adopted by these older customers who come back repeatedly because they feel so comfortable with our agents - and they love to bring them cakes and chocolates and sweets to say thank you. I feel such a sense of pride every time I see a new image or hear a new customer experience story.

Stephanie Casey

Earlier this year, Vodafone Foundation in Ireland commissioned research to assess the impact of ‘in-person’ support provided through the Hi Digital programme in our stores, and with our charity partners around the country.

Participants reported that gaining digital skills boosted their confidence, helped them to stay connected with family and reduced their reliance on others for everyday tasks. When I read testimonials like, “Makes me better able to cope with everything, the world!”, and “It makes you feel a little more confident”, I feel so proud to work for a company that invests in supporting people to actively engage in the digital world so that no one is left behind.

Judith Croke

Hi Digital’s multifaceted support system - combining skilled retail partners, dedicated trainers, and welcoming community spaces - has made a tangible difference for Ireland’s elderly population. By making digital technology more accessible and less daunting, we’re opening doors to greater autonomy, connection, and happiness among older adults.

Each Drop-in Friday session becomes more than just a workshop - it is a doorway to new possibilities, a space where friendly guidance and patient support turn apprehension into accomplishment. The most rewarding part for me is witnessing their transformation as they gain confidence and independence. Seeing participants, who may have started with doubts or hesitations, realise that technology can connect them to family, friends, and essential services is deeply gratifying. Their growing digital skills not only bridge the technical gap but also break the chains of social isolation that so often accompany ageing.