Delegates at the first ever Kerry Conference on Literacy and Wellbeing. Photo: Michelle Breen CreanOVER 100 service providers from health, education, community, and the voluntary sectors in Kerry turned out for the first ever Kerry Literacy and Wellbeing Conference in the Rose Hotel Tralee this week.
Delegates heard that one in every five adults in Ireland have difficulty with basic reading and writing.
This number increases for digital literacy, numeracy, health literacy, and financial literacy. As we move to a digital society, this results in many people being unable to access services if they are all provided digitally.
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Service providers at the conference pledged practical support such as help with form filling, making forms easier to read, simplifying written communication, and providing alternatives to digital-only communication such as a phone call or in-person support.
Funded through the Collaboration and Innovation Fund under the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy, this conference was co-ordinated by the Health Promotion and Improvement Team at HSE Southwest and by the Kerry County Council Kerry Public Participation Network, on behalf of the Kerry Regional Adult Literacy Coalition.
Máire O’Leary, Senior Health Promotion Officer, HSE Southwest, said: “This conference offered practical guidance on using plain language, designing clearer forms and digital content, and recognising hidden literacy challenges. It also provided a space for collaboration and shared learning across organisations.”
The conference focused on the five key areas of literacy:
• Literacy — reading, writing, understanding information and building confidence
• Financial literacy — budgeting, bills, banking and financial decision‑making
• Family literacy — supporting children’s learning and engaging with schools
• Digital literacy — using online services, forms, apps, and digital tools
• Health literacy — understanding medical information, appointments, and care pathways
Paula Tiller, Regional Literacy Co-ordinator for Kerry, commented: “Ideally, our service users should be able to act on a single reading of any material provided by our service. Clear communication is essential to ensuring people can access the supports they need.”
Caroline Toal, Kerry Public Participation Network Development Officer, added: “Literacy difficulties can significantly affect a person’s ability to access services, make informed decisions and participate fully in society. Increasing awareness across sectors is vital to ensuring people are not left behind.”
