iAccelerate resident Living Connected has just received $6,000 of activation grants to set up several nodes of the Be Connected Network, an initiative of federal government’s Digital Literacy for Older Australians (DLOA). 

They are now setting up a network of centres in the Illawarra Shoalhaven to assists seniors with their digital devices so that they can remain independent, connected and engaged.  They are deliberately fostering a network-centric structure for their NFP organisation, Living Connected, which is based on research they did several years ago with the Department of Defence.

At each node of the network, they hold free Drop-in Sessions in Wollongong, Unanderra, Sussex Inlet and Milton either on their own or with local partners.  They have also received funding to hold group sessions in aged-care facilities and multicultural communities from Wollongong to Ulladulla. Participants bring their own laptop, ipad, tablet or smartphone, if they have one, or try one of theirs to see what suits them.  They can also follow up with help at home.  Living Connected welcome everyone and cover most things that seniors would like to do.  If you know anyone who would be interested in such help get them to contact us.