#KeepConnected

As a country, Ireland has entered a new phase in the fight against the spread of Covid-19. With new measures introduced to protect our health and support our healthcare workers, the challenge is, as the Taoiseach put it: “to maintain social solidarity, unity and a sense of community in this time of trial”.

Connection, inclusion and the use of technology to enhance our sense of community are central to Vodafone Ireland’s purpose and are central to what we are doing to keep the country connected through this time of uncertainty.

We will continue to improve and update our network, which supports workers, businesses, government departments, students, distance learning for the young and old, and family members who are sacrificing time together to keep each other healthy and safe.

We have been, and are always looking, for ways to help in the wider effort to maintain connections and ensure the delivery of vital products, services and information in these extraordinary circumstances.

It is understandable that people are anxious and worried about friends and loved ones. In this difficult time, that sense of community is more important than ever before. In reading this, I would like you to take a moment to consider that there are vulnerable people all around us who don’t have friends and family and who need kindness, care and support at this time too.

To support this effort, this week we were delighted to donate 1,000 new smartphones and phone credit to the charity ALONE, which is supporting older people across Ireland.

The team here at Vodafone have also ensured that all of these smartphones have been pre-loaded with a number of useful apps like WhatsApp and RTé News. We have also included information about ordering food deliveries online and a supplied a list of important phone numbers like the HSE and the ALONE national helplines.

We also recognise that there are other vulnerable people and groups in especially difficult situations at this time, so we are making a financial donation to Women’s Aid to help with their extremely important work. The National Helpline is already hearing from women on a daily basis who are at a heightened state of alert, trauma and anxiety because of this crisis. According to Women’s Aid, the current situation presents a perfect storm of circumstances, which is likely to see an increase in the number and the severity of incidents of domestic abuse.

Under Government advice, our retail stores will remain open with reduced operating hours and with the strictest of health and safety measures in place to protect our people and customers first and foremost.

The stores are providing services to vulnerable groups like the elderly, who may need to buy credit or require connectivity or repair assistance. From today, Vodafone will offer priority assistance for elderly and vulnerable groups in store up to 12pm Monday to Saturday, and up to 2pm on Sundays.

Vodafone is also supporting customers and businesses in-store with remote working tools, as well as connectivity and mobility solutions. This will ensure that businesses, wherever possible, can continue to operate remotely in the current climate.

Difficult days and weeks lie ahead. We know that we will need to find new ways to help our colleagues, our customers and to help the societal effort required to delay the spread of the virus and mitigate the already serious impacts on our community and on the economy.

Connectivity has never been more important as we deal with the trials of the present and seek to build a path to a better future.