Be Connected

Increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians, empowering everyone to use the internet and everyday technology to thrive in our digital world.

Good Things Foundation builds digital skills in older Australians through our leading Be Connected program.

We provide people over 50 with access to local, free essential digital skills support through the Be Connected program.

We created a network of thousands of community organisations across Australia to help older people in their local community be more confident online. These organisations range from libraries to Men’s Sheds, community centres to retirement villages, and computer clubs to cultural groups.

We support our community partners to deliver the Be Connected program by referring older people wanting to learn, and building their capacity with free resources, training, support, and small grant funding.

The Be Connected program is an Australian Government funded initiative delivered in partnership with our friends at eSafety and the Department of Social Services.

 

Be Connected creates major value for the community and connects more older Australians

The Be Connected evaluation found the program builds the digital skills, confidence and online safety of older Australians.

Discover how Be Connected is changing lives

  • Text reads: Digital mentoring across generations. Intergenerational digital skills programs in our Network.

    20/09/2022 · Be Connected | Communities we work with | Digital Mentoring

    Digital mentoring across generations

    Highlighting the power of intergenerational digital skills programs across our Network.

  • A mobile phone with the Be Connected homepage displayed.

    27/03/2022 · Announcements | Be Connected | Our projects

    Loan digital devices for flood-affected communities

    Applications now open for grants to loan digital devices in flood-affected communities.

  • Photo of Bob

    02/03/2022 · Be Connected | Communities we work with | Our projects

    Making memoirs and memories with technology

    For Bob, writing his life’s work isn’t difficult thanks to his digital skills.

  • Be Connected reacher one million learners. Be Connected logo on left. Good Things Foundation Australia logo on right.

    29/09/2021 · Announcements | Be Connected | Our projects

    Media release: Be Connected reaches one million learners

    The popularity of the Be Connected program proves that using the internet confidently and safely is not beyond older Australians, with the program marking its one millionth learner – and the numbers keep growing.

  • Mobile phone

    26/07/2021 · Announcements | Be Connected | Our projects

    Grants for loan devices and data for people in need

    $5,000 grants available for community organisations to provide loan devices and data for isolated older people.

  • Woman showing another woman how to use a tablet. A video icon is overlayed on image.

    19/07/2021 · Be Connected | Digital Mentoring | Our projects

    Learning digital skills for life

    Four stories show how Be Connected is positively impacting Digital Mentors and learners.

 

Learn new digital skills

Support is available to help you or your loved ones to learn new digital skills.