City of St. Catharines partnering with Cyber-Seniors to help connect generations through use of technology

The City of St. Catharines is partnering with a non-profit organization to help eliminate the digital divide by providing older adults technology training, using an intergenerational volunteer model.

In cooperation with Cyber-Seniors, the City will connect seniors with digital mentors for technology training, with the aim of heightening their cyber skills – allowing them to keep socially connected and engaged, while also forging a unique connection with youth volunteers. The City’s program is set to launch on Aug. 9.

“Cyber-Seniors is a great way to help older adults get connected, and feel more comfortable, with the Internet,” said Koby Vanyo, programs supervisor for the City of St. Catharines. “As we’ve seen during the pandemic, online access also became essential to stay informed, and helped individuals feel socially connected, while still safe and independent.”

Older adults in St. Catharines can register to connect with a technology mentor and for the start of the program they will be teaming up virtually by phone (toll-free), and through Zoom, to learn more about the web-based video technology and other platforms. A series of computer literacy webinars will also be available.Those using the service will often receive training from volunteer mentors from Brock University and Niagara College.

“It’s really a win-win, providing the opportunity for our residents to get started on bridging the digital divide, but it’s also meaningful volunteer work for the mentors,” said Vanyo. “It also provides a unique opportunity to connect generations using technology – promoting community and character building.”

While at this time the program will be delivered virtually, and residents will have to rely on using their own devices (a smartphone, tablet or laptop will work) and Internet connection, long term, the goal will be for the City’s Older Adult Centres to offer access to technology and provide in-person training on laptops, tablets and other devices.

The launch of Cyber-Seniors in St. Catharines is being supported with an Ontario Seniors Community Grant. Combined with the Seniors’ Centre Without Walls program, which also received provincial funding to get established, Vanyo hopes the program will provide community members 50-plus with another tool to enjoy socialization from the comfort of their own home.

For more information on Cyber-Seniors, including how to connect with a mentor and more on the programs and services, visit https://cyberseniors.org/niagara.

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Contact:

citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca