Be Connected supporting older Australians to thrive in a digital world Jess Wilson - National Director, Good Things Foundation @JessMBWilson

Good Things Foundation One Year in Australia

2.5 million Australians are currently not online This is as a result of: Access – the availability of the internet and connected devices. Affordability – the financial means to get online. Ability – confidence to use the internet safely. https://digitalinclusionindex.org.au/

Older Australians are one of the most digitally excluded groups in the country The Australian Digital Inclusion Index reveals that digital inclusion reduces with age. The largest gaps between people 65+ group and younger people is in the Access and Digital Ability.

NBN research

don’t want to get online Some older people don’t want to get online Events like bereavement, retirement and worsening health can disrupt the connections that older people rely on, and turn the internet from an optional extra to a vital lifeline.

Programs to support older Australians Tech Savvy Seniors

The Be Connected program The Be Connected program is an Australian Government initiative aimed at increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians in using digital technology. Delivered in partnership - Office of eSafety Commissioner, Department of Social Services and Good Things Foundation

The 4 elements of the Be Connected program

Where digital and people come together It’s About People and Digital Where digital and people come together

Who is in the network? Libraries Community Centres Men’s Sheds Country Women’s Associations Aged care facilities Seniors Computer Clubs Health Centres

Over 1800 Network Partners across the country

Why become a Be Connected Network Partner? Delivery Support From a dedicated team of Network Coordinators Marketing Tools Digital and printed collateral and advertising resources Funding $20 million in grants specifically for the Network Resources To develop your inclusion or Digital Mentor program Events Online networking and partner collaboration opportunities Promotion Have your organisation featured on our online map Advocacy To develop your inclusion or Digital Mentor program Peer Partnering Training sessions, online networking and collaboration Training Tools For your organisation, volunteers and learners

Capacity Builders - supporting the Be Connected Network Capacity Builder program

Be Connected Network: Supporting Older Australians By June 2018, Network Partners have supported, 4,237 people to access the Be Connected Learning Portal and over 30,000 people have received other digital literacy support. Of the learners that have received support from a Be Connected Network Partner (78% of all survey respondents), 86% were satisfied or very satisfied with that support.

Our Network Partners "Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Our classes have enabled digital skills access to a generation who have so far managed their lives very successfully without technology and who would not travel to another venue to receive support." - Janice, Digital Mentor at Derrinallum Library "We have received great feedback from the use of the Be Connected program. This, in turn, has attracted new attendees into our library. We reaching out to people who haven’t stepped foot in a library recently.” - Alison Hall, Digital Literacy & Programs Officer at Campbelltown Library

Be Connected Network: Supporting Older Australians 46% agree that the Be Connected website has improved their digital skills 49% agree that the Be Connected website has improved their confidence with using digital 39% agree that the Be Connected website has increased social connection with their friends, family or community 57% agree that the Be Connected website has improved their confidence with staying safe online

Our learners “I’m not one to post photos or go on social media, but plants are my life and I love that I can type in the name of a plant and find out all this information. I love gardening and researching things about it, so I’m happy the internet has helped me do this more.” - Azalea Evans, a learner at Lockyer Community Centre “I’ve learned about how to safely buy things online. I just bought a part for my car online; it was about $50 cheaper than anything I had seen around, even with the postage.” - Dieter, a learner at Langwarrin Men’s Shed

Get Online Week 15 - 21 October 2018 Over 500 organisations are participating in Get Online Week across Australia so far and promoting our theme of www.getonlineweek.com/aus

Where are we going - to 2020 and beyond A growing and diverse network of over 2000 community organisations that see supporting people to improve their digital skills as a key part of service delivery Improved digital ability for older Australians so they are participating and starting to thrive in a digital world Funding to support other digitally excluded groups of people

Thank You Jess Wilson - National Director, Good Things Foundation @JessMBWilson jess@goodthingsfoundation.org 0405 686 894