Optus sponsors Livewire social networking for sick kids

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 08 September 2009 00:55

IT Industry - Strategy

Optus has become the exclusive telecommunications sponsor of children's charity Starlight's Livewire initiative aimed at providing Internet access to chronically sick children, in hospitals and at home.

The partnership will be announced at Sydney's Westmead Hospital today, 8 September, where Optus has contributed funding and support to enable wireless Internet connection in 15 wards, and the deployment of 24 purpose built Livewire On Wheels computer equipped bedside trolleys.

Livewire aims to have a significant impact on the social and emotional wellbeing of young Australians aged between 10 and 21 who have to long periods in hospital, receive treatments for a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability.

Livewire is billed as offering young patients "a free, safe and supportive online community to hang out, connect, share experiences, creatively express themselves and know that they are not alone in their situation." Patients can play games, listen to music, watch videos, create blogs and chat online with other members.

Primarily Livewire is a moderated social networking portal, but a major component is the Livewire on Wheels programme that provides wirelessly connected computers on trolleys to enable children in hospital to access the service.

Livewire differentiates itself from other social network in that it is "a secure, moderated community tailored to the needs of its members...Livewire chat hosts and moderators are trained in adolescent health, and are online seven days a week to ensure that Livewire remains a supportive and fun place to be."

According to Livewire managing director, Omar Khalifa, "With the tremendous support of Starlight, other charities, hospitals and medical professionals, Livewire has quickly become the leading online community for young people living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability in Australia.

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