Get connected and problem solve

IF you’re over fifty years of age and have questions about how to log onto the internet, or use a smartphone, computer, or tablet, free help is available at Ballarat East Neighbourhood House.

BENH is one of many community centres delivering the Federal-funded Be Connected program, designed to assist adults in navigating the digital world.

On Tuesday mornings at Barkly Square, Be Connected facilitator and former teacher Greg Horgan leads a small group session on a specific topic.

“This week, we focused on organising photos in the Apple photos app on your phone, but there are about 250 individual programs,” he said.

“It’s a friendly, relaxed environment, we don’t have a lot of structure, and as my background is in teaching, the sessions are easy to understand. People can ask questions that others might not have thought of, or wanted to ask themselves.

“Once a week on Thursdays, we also have sit-down one-on-one sessions people can book, where we take them through the really specific area they need help with.”

There are also short courses on MyGov, My Health Record, and setting up a digital legacy.

“If people are wondering what happens to their photos when they die, we can support them to leave a digital legacy,” Mr Horgan said.

Ballarat East and Ballarat North neighbourhood houses are Be Connected network partners. BENH has received enough Federal Be Connected funding to support 300 people throughout 2022.

Drop into Barkly Square on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 11.30am, or make a one-on-one appointment for Thursday between 1pm and 3pm via 0422 612 052.

Visit ballarateastnh.org.au for more information.