Irish man compiles list of free services to keep you entertained during Covid-19 pandemic
By Grace McGettigan
13th May 2020
13th May 2020
Staying at home can be monotonous. This list of free services, compiled by Irishman Shane Hastings, will help keep the family busy during the Covid-19 pandemic
Have you finished all of your favourite shows on Netflix? Fed up with TV re-runs and the constant bombardment of negativity on the news?
Galway man, Shane Hastings has compiled an expansive list of free services to help keep you busy (and entertained) while quarantined at home. From access to audiobooks, fitness, music and wellbeing services – there’s something for all members of the family.
Hastings says the list will be available for free for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic and is being continuously updated. “If you know of any that are not listed here, let me know and I will get them added,” he said.
Here are just some of the free services he found on offer:
Books / Adult Education
Free eBooks, audiobooks, online magazines and newspapers online for library members. Registration is free and done online.
Instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help kids continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.
Fully online, tutor-supported and industry certified courses. In response to the Covid-D19 situation, eCollegeIRL courses are temporarily being made available free of charge to over-16s.
Children’s education / Parents
David Walliams is releasing a book reading for children every morning at 11 AM. See link for today’s reading.
Free access to school books until the end of the school term, for teachers, students and parents.
Free access to primary level, Junior Cert and Leaving Cert ebooks for the duration of the pandemic.
Access to all Folens digital resources on FolensOnline.ie, including eBooks, printable worksheets, interactive posters, videos, audio exercises, games etc.
Lifestyle / Hobbies
Free 30 day access to workouts and nutritional information with Own Your Goals Davina, no credit card details required for sign up.
Fender Play music lessons
Access to Fender Play’s guitar, bass and ukulele lessons free for 3 months to the first 500,000 who sign up.
Free access to anyone who is interested in learning the piano at home, which includes full access to HomeSchoolPiano Level 1
Calm is offering free meditation resources to support your mental and emotional wellness through this time.
Headspace (meditation)
Free access to the Headspace collection called Weathering the Storm. It includes meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling.
Free access to all Down Dog apps – Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7-Minute Workout.
The National Theatre (UK) will be broadcasting some of its most popular productions weekly on Thursdays at 7 PM. Productions will also be on demand for seven days after each broadcast.
To see Shane Hasting‘s full list of free services available during the pandemic, visit his website here.
Photo: Valeria Ushakova from Pexels
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