Digital mentors help people to feel confident and safe online. They support communities to learn digital skills and are at the heart of community led digital inclusion programs.
Under the Be Connected Capacity Building program, Young Mentors are currently supporting elders in their communities to help them use technology, feel more connected and safer online.
8 organisations across Australia were funded in 2025 to train passionate and friendly 16 to 21 years old digital mentors to help more older people be connected. They are now supporting people in their communities and learning from each other.
We know that intergenerational digital inclusion initiatives can have a fantastic positive impact on both the older learners and younger mentors, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, personal growth and professional skills development.
One of the organisations participating in this round is Collective Leisure, who are working with local partners to train support people in their communities with Young Mentors.
Watch part 2 of their story to see the benefits of the Young Mentors program and intergenerational exchange.
Video transcript
Two generations that come together to teach each other.
[Music]
The young generation is teaching them the technology and getting experience of how to be patient and how to deal with seniors serving their community. They are supporting each other. That’s lovely vibes.
[Music]
Someone hacked my mom’s messenger and was asking for money. So that’s why I want to come and teach all the aged people how to be safe online.
I heard from my friends they let me know about the program offering for us. I’m looking forward to learn something more and that’s motivate me to come.
Today I learned how to scan a QR code. Before, I didn’t know how to do that. I also learned about you using YouTube, Google and ChatGPT. I translate using Google. So now I don’t have to ask my children to translate for me, and I can just use my phone.
I like this intergenerational program because I teach them. I give them my knowledge. I take their life experience with me. They give me advice.
Online safety is very, very important. I always recommend people to do not share their personal information and to be careful with the unknown links.
We can realise from the name that we are connected. It is very important because it is connected us to the world the world of technology. So it’s very important to connect each other, connect the community, connect the generations by using the be connected platform. So it’s very important.
Thank you to you and your organisation for offering this program. I would like to continue this if it’s possible.
[Music]
This is part two of our Young Digital Mentors video series.
Collective Leisure, as part of the Be Connected Capacity Building program, trained young mentors from Angel Multicultural Community who are now supporting people over 50 feel safer and more confident online.
Learn more Good Things www.goodthingsaustralia.org
The Capacity Building grant and training program has a new grant now available. Read more and apply now!
This program is created by Good Things through the Be Connected program.