OPTUS PARTNERS WITH STARLIGHT TO BRING LIVEWIRE ONLINE COMMUNITY TO YOUNG PATIENTS AT JOHN HUNTER CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

The Starlight Children's Foundation and Optus today announced the roll out of Livewire's hospital program, Livewire on Wheels, at John Hunter Children's Hospital.

Livewire on Wheels 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 John Hunter Children's Hospital as they receive treatments for a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability.

Livewire on Wheels features a specially designed hospital bedside trolley, with PC hardware and a wireless internet connection and 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.

Sharon Grierson MP, Federal Member for Newcastle said that the Livewire Hospital Program would help young patients at John Hunter Children’s Hospital better face the challenges of long or frequent hospital stays.

"This program is about making sure these young patients are given a creative, fun and engaging outlet during their time in hospital. They will now have an immediate connection to a whole community of individuals going through a very similar experience", said Ms Grierson.

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. The Livewire program at the John Hunter Children's Hospital enables Optus to support the community in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. The program also helps young people to communicate and support one another in a safe environment using Optus' wireless broadband technology," said Anthony Shiner, General Manager Optus Country.

"Today's launch of Livewire on Wheels at John Hunter Children's Hospital is a celebration of the positive use of technology in creating an interactive environment where young patients can engage with others experiencing similar life experiences," said Lynn Walker, Acting Director of the John Hunter Children's Hospital.

"The Livewire on Wheels program can help distract patients from the routine of their hospitalisation experience and connect them with other young people facing similar challenges", said Lynn Walker, Acting Director of the John Hunter Children's Hospital.

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

"These young people often experience unique challenges based on their illness or disability and treatment regimes – challenges which can lead to feelings of severe isolation, boredom and a lack of control over their daily lives."

"With a full suite of community tools, including chat, blogs and forums, Livewire is a fun place for young Australians to hang out and provide invaluable support for each other," he concluded.

Unlike other social networks, Livewire 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. Livewire works closely with the Australian Federal Police to help ensure all members of Livewire remain safe while engaging with the community.

Featuring a specially designed hospital bedside trolley, with PC hardware and a wireless internet connection, the Livewire Program 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.

This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Clever Networks program, Starlight and major corporate partners such as Optus. This funding has enabled Livewire to develop a unique and valuable program that will connect, support and empower its members.

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:
Ellie Shaddick, Howorth, Ph: 02-8281 3834, Mob: 0415 900 980, Email: ellie@howorth.com.au
Carla Dovgan, Howorth, Ph: 02-8281 3817, Mob: 0411 437 411, Email: carla@howorth.com.au
Simone Bergholcs, Optus Corporate Affairs, Ph: 02 8082 7850

About Livewire.org.au
Livewire.org.au is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Starlight Children's Foundation and is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Clever Networks Program, Starlight Children's Foundation and in-kind support from Livewire's launch partners. 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 us, corporate responsibility and business success go hand in hand. Optus believes that its responsibility as a leading corporate is more than just solid financial performance. Our responsibility to our society is also important. We consider that community, environment and workplace are important pillars of our corporate social responsibility. Optus is the exclusive telecommunication partner of Starlight and sponsor of Livewire. Through this program Optus aims to remove barriers that may prevent people from accessing the benefits of technology. We partner with organisations that work to improve the welfare of the communities in which we operate and aim to remove barriers that may prevent people from accessing the benefits of technology.

About the Clever Networks Program
The Livewire project is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Clever Networks program. Clever Networks is a program of the Australian Government Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. The Clever Networks program delivers innovative broadband services to communities in regional, rural and remote Australia. www.dbcde.gov.au