Keeping seniors connected

For Judy Campbell, volunteering in an innovative and exciting training package for older people interested in learning how to use an iPad has been a fun experience.

The project received funds from the Foundation for Older Australians and it has helped people remain connected with family, friends and the community around them.

Volunteers visit customers in the comfort of their homes for six weeks, but continued support is given after that, as people keep discovering the wonders of technology.

Ms Campbell said that volunteering on this project has been a valuable learning experience.

“It is a great project that allows you to teach and learn at the same time. Computers can be a bit daunting, but once you use an iPad, you realise how much simpler it is,” she said.

For Dawn Hancock, the project has improved people’s confidence and sociability.

“iPads are better technology for an older person, as there are no wires, it is easy and light to carry around and it can help people feel connected to the world,” Ms Hancock said.

“It is great to see people feeling more confident as they start using the technology even without having had any introduction to IT previously in their lives.”

Adelaide based ACH Group coordinator, Renata Boumis, said this was a pilot project they hoped to expand. 

Ms Boumis is pictured with volunteers Judy Campbell, Dawn Hancock and Joan Skibneff.

“This has been a great project which everybody – both customers and volunteers, have been enjoying, so we hope to expand. It is also good that we have older volunteers helping the customer because they can relate to each other and work at the same pace,” Ms Boumis said.

“We hope that customers that are taking the course now will pass on their knowledge by volunteering later and we also invite everyone who has knowledge of technology to come onboard.”

Volunteering options are available seven days a week, and days and times are flexible. ACH Group offers ongoing training, as well as resources to support volunteers in in their volunteering role.

ACH Group has volunteering programs available in metropolitan Adelaide, Murray Mallee and Riverland regions, as well as in the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Contact ACH Group on 1300 224 477 if you’re interested in volunteering.