Free information talks will be given to charities and community groups, under this new Irish Red Cross scheme, while companies will be asked to pay on a cost-only basis.

And, in addition to these free talks, the Irish Red Cross has also created a series of two-minute video clips which are available to all on www.redcross.ie. The five two-minute videos can be viewed from the comfort of your own home or desk and answer questions in the following areas:

• What exactly Swine Flu is
• How to prevent its spread
• How to prepare yourself and your family
• How to look after someone who is ill with the virus
• Helpful facts about flu and pandemics.

"We want to give something back to the many thousands of people throughout Ireland who support us in our work here in Ireland as well as in disaster zones around the world.

"Sharing our expertise at minimum cost is our way of saying 'thank you' to companies in Ireland that have supported us and will enable us to also make this information available to residents groups, and local charities for free," explained Irish Red Cross Secretary General, John Roycroft.

This week's figures from the HSPC show that flu infection levels in Ireland have reached their highest levels since the year 2000. Children are particularly vulnerable with significant increases in babies and young children (0 – 4 years) as well as older children and young teenagers (5 – 14 years).

The information talks take less than an hour and are delivered by trained Irish Red Cross instructors. People who attend the information talks will find out how to identify symptoms, how to prepare their families and workplaces, how to prevent - in so far as possible - catching or giving swine flu, and how to care for somebody who is ill.

Attendees will also come away with practical skills such as how to use a thermometer, know that they are washing their hands properly and many other practical skills.

The talks are available for free to community groups (donations welcome) and to businesses for a reasonable fee. Call 1890 502 502 to set-up an information seminar for your company or community group or to find out if any are already taking place in your area.

Leaflets, posters and planning sheets, developed to the highest international standards by the Red Cross, will be provided to both community groups and companies. Training sessions are free to charities and local community groups and are provided on a cost-only basis to companies and can be arranged by calling 1890 502 502 or by logging onto www.RedCrossTraining.ie

The Irish Red Cross is a registered charity (Chy No CHY 3950) and anyone who wishes to make a donation at the talks may do so.

Ends

Notes to the Editor

• Interviews with Irish Red Cross spokespeople can be arranged. Contact Aoife Mac Eoin: 087 – 998 3788.
• Free information is already available from our website on protecting yourself from Swine Flu. Log onto http://www.redcross.ie/help/swine_flu/index.html and view our 2-minute video clips.
• "What if..:" all the questions ordinary people have about Swine Flu
• A factsheet about swine flu is attached.
• Case studies about swine flu are attached.

For further information please contact Aoife Mac Eoin.

National Communications Officer. Tel: 087 – 998 3788.