Connect IT Digital Literacy Mentor Program

Connecting communities through technology.

Be Connected is an Australian government initiative that aims to provide a family and community centered approach to supporting, coaching and teaching older Australians aged over 50 years to improve their skills and confidence in using digital technology. The initiative follows the train the trainer model, recruiting organisations as lead mentors, to then training members of the community in supporting older Australians increase their confidence, skills and online safety when using technology.

 enliven are a registered lead mentor and run a support program within the ‘Be Connect’ Project called Connect IT: Connecting Communities through Technology. Connect IT upskills participants to become digital mentors. The role of a Digital Mentor is to inspire and support older people within their own community to gain digital skills. This promotes confidence and independence, which goes towards reducing social exclusion. Connect IT includes two training days, plus additional follow up support and online resources. The program was run in City of Greater Dandenong, Cardinia Shire and City of Casey.

The Connect IT project concluded in May 2024 with 92 digital mentors trained. Approximate 500 community members have been reached through our digital mentors. This has been through community information sessions, small group support and one-on-one support. It is estimated that a further 250 have been reached through resource dissemination and organic information sharing.