Confidence boost in digital age

An Elmhurst, Willaura and Streatham-based program has been helping senior residents develop skills, use their digital devices and get connected online.

The Bridging the Gap to Digital Literacy program, run by Ararat Rural City Council, provides classes for vulnerable people looking to build on their digital skills.

Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the program provided ‘much-needed’ digital-literacy support within rural communities across the municipality.

“The pandemic has created a shift to online services, which requires elderly residents to adopt new technologies or risk getting left behind,” he said.

“Bridging the Gap to Digital Literacy strengthens communities and creates life-changing opportunities for many of our elderly residents, giving them core skills, access and confidence to use digital technologies.

“The program has had a strong start with more than 20 senior citizens attending group digital-literacy sessions at Willaura, Elmhurst and Streatham, covering topics from navigating Google maps, managing safe passwords and dictation, to how to send photos.

“One-on-one sessions follow the group sessions to provide personalised support and fill in any gaps or questions residents might have that aren’t covered in the group sessions.

“With many families disconnected by the pandemic, it has never been more important for people to stay connected through messaging and sharing of photos.”

Elmhurst participant Ellen Mccartney-lee said she found the program helpful and strongly recommended others to get involved.

“I joined the program because I never had a ‘tablet’ and wanted to know more about them,” she said.

“I have learned about Google maps, sending photos, navigating the Medicare app and accessing vaccinations.

“I’ve enjoyed learning how to browse quilting sites, library games and more.”

Elmhurst resident Jen Peacock said the program provided a safe and encouraging space to learn about technologies.

“I found out about the program through Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre. I’m not very tech-savvy and needed to learn how to use the Medicare app, set up my phone and use the computer a bit more,” she said.

Ms Peacock said the council’s digital-literacy support officer Moya Carroll was ‘very’ patient in helping her set up Mygov online.

“I can easily access the service and it unlocked my smartphone too,” she said.

Ms Peacock said the program also encouraged her to continue advancing her computer skills, learn more about Windows program and create a ‘favourites’ list on her web browser.

“As I’m older, technology is not something I grew up with, it’s good to have someone who can help without any judgement,” she said.

People can find out more about the program by calling Moya Carroll and leaving a message on 5355 0232.