Livewire goes live to help sick young Aussies

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Thursday, 19 February 2009 16:22

Your IT - Entertainment

Senator Conroy added that: “The Livewire online community is a great example of broadband and digital technology assisting the support and well-being of people whose lives have been disrupted by chronic illness or disability.

”Livewire helps young people to stay in touch with those they love and to connect to gain support from others who may be sharing a similar situation,” concluded the Senator.
 
What else will Livewire do for its members? The site says it “aims to have a significant impact on the social and emotional wellbeing of its members, to help relieve stress and anxiety, alleviate boredom and to help empower them to develop new life skills and make new friends.”

Prominent child and adolescent psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg commented, “Too often, it goes unrecognised that young people with chronic illness or disability can be affected by anxiety disorders, mood disorders, self harm and even suicidal tendencies, and that these go hand in hand with their situation.

“Livewire is wonderful because you have 24 hour a day, immediate connection with a community of people feeling exactly the same way. This can instantly reduce their sense of isolation and put them in touch with someone who understands,” he concluded.

As for safety, Livewire says that it “complies with strict safety measures to ensure the safety and security of its members. Each member’s parent or guardian is contacted personally to verify their identity before joining the community. What’s more, chat hosts trained by the Australian Federal Police are present seven days a week to moderate discussions.”

The “Clever Networks” program is funding Livewire to the tune of AUD $7.2m, along with additional support from other launch partners, which Livewire says has enabled it to “develop a long lasting, sustainable program that will support, inspire and encourage its members.”

20,000 young people, siblings and parents are expected to take part by the end of the year, and will receive additional support from other organisations such as The Spastic Centre and Diabetes Australia who will provide Livewire access to its eligible members.

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