A free digital literacy education program is creating new opportunities and experiences for older people who may struggle to use technological devices and the internet.
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Ballarat North Neighbourhood House coordinator Alison Demuth said skills like using an iPad and accessing Zoom could improve people's ability to connect during the coronavirus pandemic.
"People learning and feeling more confident to use technology could really change their experience of life," she said.
The Ballarat North Neighbourhood House secured a $5000 grant through the Good Things Foundation to teach digital literacy skills to people over 55 in a program called Be Connected.
People learning and feeling more confident to use technology could really change their experience of life.
- Alison Demuth, Ballarat North Neighbourhood House
Community members have been engaging in workshops run online through Zoom throughout the coronavirus pandemic to learn skills on a range of topics like how to use computers, iPads, mobile phones, wifi and understanding how to be safe online.
Trained digital mentors will deliver the program until June next year.
The Neighbourhood Centre hopes to gradually reintroduce face to face programs in term three and four, while continuing online options for those who prefer to stay at home.
Watch a video on the Ballarat North Neighbourhood House's Be Connected program below.
Ms Demuth said the aim of the Be Connected program was to help older people to be safe online and feel empowered by the internet and everyday technology.
"We had one lady who joined the class to learn how to download the COVIDSafe app," she said.
"She called me two hours after the class and said it was amazing and she was enrolling into the iPad class we were running for the next four weeks.
"Here was a lady who wasn't interested in doing anything except watching how to download and use the COVID app and now she has engaged with us doing our iPad class.
"We are finding once people have a go at it they realise it is not that hard and they get there."
Ms Demuth said engaging older people in the free digital education classes was a great way to help them form new connections and get involved in other Neighbourhood Centre programs like the walking group, art class, gardening group and community lunches.
"Be Connected is a fantastic gateway for us to connect people digitally, but also connect them with their community, which is fantastic," she said.
Those interested in getting involved in the free Be Connected technology classes can contact Alison Demuth on 0491 753 307 or alison.demuth@salvationarmy.org.au or follow the Ballarat North Neighbourhood House Facebook page.
Free videos on any digital literacy topic including esafety can be accessed online at beconnected.esafety.gov.au/.
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