Page 15 - YOU Magazine | Issue 2

device features (privacy settings, Bluetooth, GPS) and managing data usage at home and on
the move.
In recognising that face-to-face learning is the preferred method of acquiring new skills due to
the opportunities for hands-on
Dedicated network partners provide support in the basics of getting online - including topics such as esafety, using email, connecting with family and friends using the internet, online shopping, online hobbies and managing your data.
on family members, whilst also affording seniors the skills to connect with friends and relatives living elsewhere. They are also able to gain confidence and learn how to look out for scams.
As of June this year, 350,000 people have been supported through the program.
Jess says, to ensure more seniors have access to digital literacy tools, it’s important that digital literacy programs like Be Connected be allowed to continue for at least the next five years so we can help more people.
“We know there is more work
to be done to support older Australians, people on low incomes and people looking to get back into the workforce to improve their digital skills over the coming years as the country recovers from the
“With basic services and utilities increasingly online, being digitally connected and engaged is now more important than ever.”
mentoring and guidance, the Commonwealth government launched a $50 million program
to improve the digital literacy and online safety of Australians aged 50 years and older.
The Department of Social Services and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner were given responsibility for jointly developing and implementing the initiative, which includes a family and community-centred approach to supporting, coaching and teaching older Australians how to improve their skills and confidence in using digital technology.
Set up both to build skills and confidence, the free content includes information about protecting personal information, using security settings on devices, identifying scams, conducting secure online transactions and connecting with others through social media safely.
Good Things Foundation manages the Be Connected program which, since its inception, has linked up with around 3,000 network partners across the country including community centres, libraries, men’s sheds, Indigenous community
groups, disability organisations, employment service providers
and non-English speaking community groups.
Good Things’ Jess Wilson says
in a recent survey conducted with its network partners, Good Things found that 75 per cent had learners who lacked access to digital devices to use at home.
To assist with this, the group were able to award $1 million worth of grants which have enabled the purchase of digital loan devices and data.
The initiative has enabled older Australians to become more independent and less reliant
pandemic and adjusts to the new digital world.”
“COVID-19 has shown just how important it is for people
to be digitally literate so that they can better connect with family and friends, maintain their independence, find work and access government support services online.”
Australian seniors or those living with disability who need to access support to learn digital skills free of charge should do so via:
• Be Connected website: www.beconnected.esafety. gov.au/
• Be Connected Helpline: 1300 795 897
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