Technology is now a part of everything we do, and for many seniors, staying connected means learning how to safely and confidently navigate the digital world. The Be Connected program is helping everyday Australians overcome their apprehension and embrace modern life.
For retired learner Geoffrey Havyatt, the motivation to build digital skills is simple: the world has become more technology-focused, and he does not want to be left behind. Through attending digital skills sessions at ACON hosted by YourLink, Geoffrey says he has become less apprehensive about using technology and has learned how to better manage his tasks.
Geoffrey enjoys being able to access a wide range of services without having to make phone calls or visit locations in person. His online goals include banking, online shopping, information gathering, and communicating. When asked how learning and participating in a digital skill session makes him feel, his response is powerful: “Confident about my ability to participate in the 21st Century”.
Good Things Network partner YourLink, in partnership with ACON, deliver digital skills sessions for people over 50 and part of the LGBTQ+ community. Russ Gluyas, Program Coordinator for ACON’s ageing initiative, the LOVE Project (Living Older Visibly and Engaged), and Richard Scenna, Founding Director of YourLink highlight that technology is vital for independence, keeping people connected, and helping them access essential services.
They also mentioned that access to technology and being connected are especially important for older people in the LGBTQ+ community. Unfortunately, not everyone has family or friends they can rely on, making these sessions and opportunities essential for support and building tech skills. They note that the real challenge isn’t just learning what buttons to press, but building confidence and understanding how to use technology safely.
“The benefits are really broad. For some people, it’s practical, like being able to message friends, book appointments, or manage photos and storage on their phone. For others, it’s about confidence, learning new skills like AI, Translation or Symbols in a shared, friendly, supportive and social space,” mentioned Russ and Richard.
In the Be Connected digital skills sessions, “Tea and Technology” facilitators guide attendees from basic practical skills—like managing emergency contacts, understanding symbols, and cleaning up devices—to more advanced concepts, like being introduced to AI tools like ChatGPT and Meta AI, digital wallets, and translation features.
Often it’s the simple, practical and seemingly small things that make a world of difference to someone. People feel confident to try something and realise they aren’t alone in feeling overwhelmed or left behind. Creating a patient, safe space to try technology skills builds life-changing results and confidence. “It reminds people you are never too old to learn. We’ve seen people become more independent, feel less isolated or feel less anxious about technology”, Russ and Richard comment.
This impactful work is possible under the Be Connected Building Digital Skills grant program. This allows community organisations around Australia to get funded to support people in their communities to feel safer and more confident online. For the delivery of the program, YourLink have partnered with ACON. For them, the key to the success of these sessions is that they have been able to tailor their approach to their specific community, noting that there is “no one size fits all to improving digital confidence”.
And Geoffrey seconded that, recommending these sessions to others and highlighting their importance for older people not to be excluded from society and the modern world.
Check some photos of the YourLink and ACON Building Digital Skills session:
