Internet Safety for the Older Adult
May is the month of Bealtaine which celebrates creativity in the older person. As part of this celebration, a workshop on internet safety was held in Mitchelstown Library on Wednesday last week.
This involved a cooperative effort between the Community Garda John Hennessy and his colleague Denis Golden; Hannah Casey from the Social Hub in Mitchelstown; Carol Bradley, the Church of Ireland warden; Ria Breen from CETB; Jacki Hehir from Ballyhoura Development, and representing Age Friendly Mitchelstown was Councillor Kay Dawson.
Also present were Michelle O’Connor and her colleague Josh Somers who were representing Cork County Council and promoting the online portal, ‘ Your Council’, whereby the public can send in requests and other queries online on many issues relating to Cork County Council.
Garda Denis Golden gave an informative talk on the perils of the internet, how to be aware of spam text or emails, what to look out for, and who to contact if you are unsure. He reassured all present that it doesn’t matter what age you are, anyone can get caught out by some of these scams as they are becoming more and more sophisticated. His underlying message was: ‘if in doubt, ask someone you can trust.’
Hannah Casey told all gathered about the Social Club in Mitchelstown, and the many activities that they are involved with. Carol Bradley spoke of the community in Kingston College, where she has been the warden for the past 27 years. Ria Breen pointed out the many courses available, all free of charge, through the Cork Education and Training Board, and in particular the beginner’s computer course which would be ideal for those who might feel cut off from the world because of lack of digital skills.
Then, Jacki Hehir spoke of her role as Development Officer for Ballyhoura Development, covering North Cork Rural Community Health Project.
All those who spoke emphasised the message, not to let age be a barrier. One is never too old or too young to participate in the online world, and it is all about looking out for each other, whether as individuals or as an organisation within the community.
Councillor Kay Dawson, chairperson of Mitchelstown Age Friendly Group, concluded the workshop by talking of Mitchelstown’s role as an ‘Age Friendly Town’ since 2017, and commended each organisation present for their involvement within the community.
Branch manager Eileen C. O’Sullivan thanked everyone for attending, staff Brenda McCarthy and Ed Cashman for their work, and all the speakers on the day. She pointed out that Mitchelstown Library has been designated as an Age Friendly Library and that all the staff are trained as Digital Ambassadors. She further stressed the message, not to be hesitant to come and ask for help in the library: “If we can, we will do our best to help you.”
There was plenty of time afterwards for questions as each group were more than willing to stay and chat to the participants. The workshop, which was very informative, was very well attended by a large cross-section of the community. Refreshments were provided compliments of Ballyhoura Development CLG.