The Starlight Children's Foundation and Optus today announced the roll out of Livewire's hospital program at the Geelong Hospital in Victoria.
The Livewire Hospital Program aims to have a significant impact on the social and emotional wellbeing of young patients aged between 10 and 21, currently spending long or frequent periods of time at the Geelong Hospital.
Livewire, with the support of Optus, has provided two netbooks for the Children’s ward at the Geelong Hospital to allow patients to access Livewire from the bedside.
Livewire offers 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.
With the support of Optus, the Livewire Hospital Program has launched in six hospitals across Victoria; Sunshine Hospital, Maroondah Hospital, Angliss Hospital, the Northern Hospital, Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital and now the Geelong Hospital. By the end of 2010, the national program will be rolled out to a total of 26 hospitals across the country.
Optus' support for Livewire makes it possible for young people to stay connected during long periods of separation caused by ongoing treatment. It also helps them to get the support that they need from other young people facing similar challenges.
"Communication breaks down barriers and connects people. Optus is excited to support the Livewire Hospital Program at the Geelong Hospital as it enables us to connect young people in need across Victoria. Since we launched the national Livewire program in 2009, we have connected 17 hospitals across the country, including six in Victoria," said Maha Krishnapillai, Optus Government and Corporate Affairs Director.
"We are pleased to be able to help young people to communicate and support one another in a safe environment using Optus' wireless broadband technology," said Mr Krishnapillai.
"Today's launch of the Livewire Hospital Program at the Geelong Hospital is great for young people. It will help re-engage them while relieving the boredom often experienced while undergoing treatment in hospital," said Sandy Morrison, Executive Director, Barwon Health.
"The Livewire Hospital program will help distract the young patient from their pain and help them better understand their illness. It will also provide the opportunity to connect with other young people facing similar challenges so they won't feel alone," said Mr Morrison.
Livewire Managing Director, Greg Hayne, added "With the tremendous support of Starlight, other charities, hospitals, medical professionals and wonderful sponsors such as Optus, Livewire has quickly become the leading online community for young people living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability in Australia."
"With the latest internet applications such as chat, blogs, forums, music, video and games, as well as a team of moderators who ensure a safe environment for all, Livewire is filling a gap in the lives of hospitalised young people by providing them with a fun place to hang out and interact with peers who are going through similar experiences as them," Mr Hayne concluded.
Unlike other social networks, Livewire provides a safe and accepting environment where all community interaction is fully moderated. Livewire 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.
This program was initially established with funding from the Australian Government under the Clever Networks program, and now relies on the support of donors and major corporate partners such as Optus to continue to grow the community.
Any young Australian aged over 10 and under 21, who is currently living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability who wishes to join Livewire or find out more information should visit www.livewire.org.au or contact member.services@livewire.org.au.
For further details or to arrange an interview please contact:
Heather Marano
Livewire
Ph: 02 8425 5929
Mob: 0450 904 875
Email: heather.marano@livewire.org.au
Kate Creal
Livewire
Mob: 0403 802 608
Email: kate.creal@livewire.org.au
Kasia Ciszak
Optus Corporate Affairs
Ph: 02 8082 8315
About Livewire.org.au
Livewire.org.au is an independent subsidiary of the Starlight Children's Foundation and is supported by funding from corporate partners and donors. www.livewire.org.au
About the Starlight Children's Foundation
Since 1988, the Starlight Children's Foundation has been providing innovative programs designed to lift the spirits of these children, young people and their families when they need it most. There are over 600,000 child and teenager admissions to Australian hospitals every year and currently Starlight is only able to reach "1 in 3". Starlight's ultimate goal is to enable every seriously ill child, young person and their family the opportunity to access and benefit from Starlight's innovative programs. www.starlight.org.au
About Optus
Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications. The company specialises in a broad range of communications services including mobile, local, national and long distance telephony, business network services, internet and satellite services and subscription television.
For Optus, corporate responsibility and business success go hand in hand. We believe that our responsibility as a leading corporate is more than just solid financial performance. Our responsibility to our society, our people and environment is also important. We partner with organisations that work to improve the welfare of the communities in which we operate. Optus is the exclusive telecommunications partner of Starlight and Livewire Program. We partner with organisations where there are shared objectives and where through the use of our technology, products and services, we can help build better communities and remove barriers that may prevent people from accessing the benefits of technology. For more information please visit www.optus.com.au/corporateresponsibility.