Supporting Common Equity NSW with digital skills for older residents living in Western Sydney
YourLink has been working with Common Equity NSW to deliver a digital literacy program for seniors across Co-operative housing in Western Sydney. The project is funded through a grant from Multicultural NSW and supported by Auburn Small Community Organisation Network (ASCON).
As Nick Sabel, CEO Common Equity NSW says, “We’re pleased to be working with an experienced partner like YourLink to support our older co-op tenants from across Western Sydney.”
The project includes designing the digital literacy program and delivering training to Common Equity NSW staff and eligible older residents across Western Sydney. This cohort of people have been particularly impacted by COVID-19 and the lockdowns.
“The diverse cultural background and lack of digital skills and confidence has meant they are particularly vulnerable to falling behind with access to online services and community social groups”, says Nick.
The Common Equity NSW team have been trained as digital coaches so that they are more confident to provide digital support to their coop tenants.
The tenant training has taken place in locations that were easily accessible and existing hubs of their community. Attendees have come from a range of multicultural backgrounds including the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The sessions focused on the basics, connecting with family and friends and understanding online forms.
The feedback from the attendees has been positive with many wanting further sessions.
“Regardless of cultural background, we have found older people face the same challenges around digital confidence and the support they need to start using their devices. This group of tenants have shown that they are keen to learn and when shown, they want to learn even more.” says Richard Scenna, Founding Director, YourLink.
As this phase of the project comes to an end, Common Equity NSW and YourLink are exploring how to continue this for tenants and co-ops across the NSW.
Contact Richard Scenna, Director by email richard@yourlink.com.au or phone 0408 742 743.